Jeff, I believe that is a classic CYA statement. It means that wiring, hoses, seals, gaskets and the like are old and possibly brittle. He doesn't want to be responsible if you hook up a gas stove and it burns down your house. I've sold old pieces like that as well. I would never want to say they may work or anything like that. Display only. If you hook it up, that's you're problem. At least that is what I get out of that statement. YMMV.