Neal
Senior Member
If someone sold that to me as "used mint" I'd return it. There's no way I'd accept it in a new instrument. I think you're well within your rights to return it.
I'm with TX on this one. Spend the money on an excellent+ condition Westerly Starfire. $1400 will get you a lot of Guitar in a Westerly Guild.
+2 on TX and GAD's comments. A real-deal American-made Guild will come with a few bumps and nicks, perhaps, but they will also come with a pedigree that is unquestioned.