If the stains come out, it is worth $500, but you may be able to buy an unstained one from a reputable dealer for just a tad bit more. So many shops are "stuck" with these types of rugs either from older stock or customer trade-ins, that you could probably get a great deal on one. Just call and ask what's the best price they'll give you on an "American Kerman" roughly from the 1970s.

thanks jahann and rugpro....your points are duly noted and i think i'll pass on this one... i just saw it and had to ask....i'm really on the search for some smaller sarouks to compliment the room size ones we have, but haven't had any luck...

thanks again!