[chris vickery]

I think we get what you are getting at hence the info given previous...
Putting out a whole lot of cash for something sight unseen is, in my opinion, foolish.
You ask a really good question. I would definately deal with a reputable dealer rather than an individual or a dealer from a less scrupulous country.
Sending a bunch of cash to an Eastern European fellow that uses a PO Box doesn't cut it. I would perhaps find something you like listed on Milweb and ask away right here on MLU! Surely pieces located in England could be inspected by one of our "own" located there. England has many dealers and I am sure some of the guys on this Forum would jump right in to give you unbiased opinions regrading this guy or that as well as fair values etc.
Remember though, buying something sight unseen or relying on another's opinion may or may not be in the best interest neither. One persons opinion of decent can be as far from another viewpoint as the moon is to the earth.
I would go and see it first, plane fare is cheap insurance. As far as payment goes, bank drafts and electronic transfers are the way to go.
Chris