...unchallenged Don.

You wrote:

"The owner does not want his name disclosed, Russell. Not surprising given the 'inquisition' other buyers of brass core chips have been subject to recently."

There has been NO "'inquisition' (that) other buyers of brass core chips have subject to recently."

There has been an investigation of the sales of fake brass core chips, not the sale of any or all brass core chips.

Deflect any criticism from yourself that you wish, but claiming that the owner of the real chip doesn't want his name known because of your lack of cooperation in an investigation makes you look even worse.

Bob