Not necessarily. I have seen many a blade where corrosion was limited to one area, or scattered about. The rest of us are working from photos, which makes it difficult. It could be cleaning up the blade was started and finished in some areas and left unfinished in others. The blade scratches are nothing to be concerned about in my view. As noted above, I would go for this sword, but would try to get a bit off on the price. If that can't be achieved, I would buy it. There are restorers around who can clean up the blade and can probably repair the ferrule, all for a fee, of course (negotiation points?). The grip can probably be darkened and finished, too, if you desire. However, some collectors would consider such to be "heresy."
