A woman with wide hips definitely couldn't take a mens' saddle. And I could see the racer-type guys who don't so much sit on the saddle as use it as a lever for moving the bike, those guys would hate it. But those guys aren't buying a Brooks B-17 anyway.

If you're getting a really good deal, it could be worth it to give it a try - worst case, you could probably sell it on Craigs for a minimal loss.