the seller has offered a replacement but no guarantee until I open the box i suppose! I don't think I'll worry about alcohol or windex or anything like that in case it makes it worse, especially since he's offered a replacement.

I've attached some more photos to compare with the knockoffs, i think it might be ok based on a tfw2005 thread but i'm no expert.

for those with more experience with masterpieces, how common are things like paint defects or other QC issues? it looks like it has almost rusted or something. I almost feel a bit silly about it but, well, it's supposed to be a masterpiece and cost almost a hundred bucks, not something cheap in the toy aisle at coles or something... :/