I'd have to agree - I'm in no position to purchase this bike - I'm too far away and the language barrier is a further complication. There is also a frame size issue as well.

Personally, I could fill any dents with bronze and repaint the frame myself at little cost. Re-chroming is another matter though. I would probably purchase it if I was able to look at it.

If it's just a commute; the fork is the issue.

As gomango states, and he is at the shop and the owner thinks the fork could be bent. Is it bent enough to worry about? If it is difficult to detect and it tracks straight perhaps it OK to leave in place.

I think JohnSqual must be considering a purchase because he is in a position to buy the bike. I suggest a phonecall to the bikeshop to discuss the frame with all the great support of the forum members as a backup.