..some skill (and lack of integrity) to sell this for over $2000. Does Elite take consignments?
This is where it gets tricky pricing an item on an open floor with so many different opinions and personalities.
1st. now we know the rifle isn't all correct and matching due to the laminated handguard. This takes the purists out of the running. These people typically pay the most for items.
2nd. condition is lacking and that takes the condition collectors out the running. Also other types that pay up for stuff.
So now we are left with a decent rifle not 100% correct but some with settle for this. A handguard for a safety replacement is an "acceptable" item for most as these items broke or were damaged during use. Hence why armorer chests had them in inventory.
The peppering of the metal and darker stock may clean up with some help IMHO and this one could wake up a bit ? But, it's still what it is... I think the OP's estimate of 1500.00 is fair considering the situation now that we've seen it in the light..
As far as pricing is concerned . The guy who doesn't own an item will always pay more than a guy who has one or three.
The guy who owns an item will always value it less than a guy who doesn't.
The current k98k climate is as Up and down as I have ever seen it.. My2 cents.