This not the end of the world.

Here is to hoping there was not "over" payment.

You have your components. Properly market and sell at your discretion.

Either to use, or to sell, you have your value in those.

Then on to the frame.

You will still have options:

1) Sell as is without any further effort other than an ad and accompanying fees. Not such a bad option keeping in mind the additional costs that may be involved.

2) Have fun with the frame. Have it lovingly refinished and do it some credit. There are at least two painters in this area that would do a "nice" job. Surely you must have access to many more than that at competitive rates.

Under very few circumstances will I talk to a seller about the price after a deal has been negotiated and accepted by both parties.

Agreed that it is poor form.

As for the original owner, he/she may have been honest when they stated it was a custom "paint" order. It just wasn't from the manufacturer, it was from the painter/refinisher.

That would be my interpretation.