From the serial number I'm thinking the rifle was made Aug. 1918 and the barrel mark of 7-18 indicates a July 1918 date, the stock markings are also period correct as far as I can tell, I am not home right now so do not have my info handy. I don't recall anything about bad rifles or numbers to avoid, and the pictures make it look like a fair to good example of a 96 year old military rifle. Without being able to inspect it I would not suggest shooting it and if you do never exceed period load pressures for it. As for the price your on your own there last one I bought was near 20 years ago. There are a number of good information/history sites on line, just google model 1917 eddystone. Hope that helps some.