May have been a win-win for you.
As I stated above, in its 70-80's day those old Defiants were the last word in woodstoves.
The Company and Owners were like one big 'Kum-By-Ya' kit and ka-boodle of a mutual adoration society.
Each new stove had a card identifying which employee built it for you.
They periodically put out an extremely informative and helpful newsletter to all owners, and invited all to come to the Factory once a year for an Owners Appreciation Party which included typical New England fun and food and tours of the still mostly hand crafted factory.
However, when the EPA made them use the Cats to meet emission, and the competition kept improving and eating market share, and they merged with an inferior competitor to conserve $$$, IMHO, things went downhill fast.
If you could find an older non cat with Glass Doors, and no problems, it would be well worth $500 to me.
However, there is a reason why the Marketplace values comp sized Jotuls (F500/600) at 2-3 times that price.