But the price is really good - so confused
Actually I don't think we know yet if the price is "really good". It depends on the condition and musical quality of the instrument. In my opinion the musical capability of a Mason and Hamlin impacts the price more than it does for a Steinway. The right people will pay pretty good money for really good BB, but those same people can tell the diffference between a great one and and a lousy one. Someone will fork over big bucks for an iffy Steinway B because of the nameplate. An iffy BB gets picked up by a rebuilder who might do it on spec or someone really bargain shopping.... in other words core price isn't that high.
So to recap my thoughts on the thread: the OP asked if it was ok to consider purchasing an Aeolian M&H. Sure it is. It is completely possible to get great results out of an Aeolian era instrument. While I don't think consistency or craftsmanship was as good through those years, most things can be fixed and your rebuilder/technician can give you the whole story. If you love a piano as it is, it will only get better with attention from a skilled technician.
But now we realize you've never heard or played or seen the instrument (recordings don't count), and it's all the way across the country. No, don't buy a piano under these conditions. The whole "Aeolian era" was a red herring. That's not the relevant issue. The relevant issue is: 30+ year old piano you've never played/seen/heard all the way across the nation. Nope. Pass.