[drcy]

I never assume about the condition of an item sold in a frame, for numerous reasons including because items are often matted specifically to hide the damage (often for on-the-wall display reasons, not to trick people) and because you're bidding without seeing the whole item. I'm always wary about things in frames and bid accordingly. Also, I don't collect frames.

As said, it all depends how the item was described. Some sellers say they haven't removed the item from the old frame and make no assurances-- which is fine.