aug e.dog,
If I were you I wouldn't hesitate purchasing the HP. For some reason, these HP's are going through the roof. The original Belgian ones are commanding unheard of prices. I have a 1978 belgian that I paid $450.00 for in 2002, and I have been offered $650.00 for it recently. I have no intention of selling, but it's amazing how the value of these have risen. Mine is the basic version with the fixed sights. The condition is about 90%. It also has the original black leather pouch with red lining. The older HP's were supposedly better made, and all the parts were machined with no MIM parts.
This is the only HP I own. Most of my hand guns are .45's so I am by no means an authority on HP's. I'm only going on what I have been told, and what the local gun shop owners see as a recent trend with these firearms. Check other shops in your area to get a comparison gun for gun. You can also check this site as well as others to get a better idea of value. some of the people on this site have phenominal knowledge about this, and other weapons. Their opinions can help you decide wether to buy or pass on a deal.
Good Luck, and be safe.
SILENT ONE