Ah right. Sounds legit to be honest then.
I've occasionally got stuff from HH that I've suspected to be promotional or advance copies sent to JC that he's subsequently stuck on the Merchandiser. (I got the reissue of Wilder from here and it wasn't sealed and the booklet had clearly been thumbed through).
So my theory is that, the seller probably got it from HH and it was JC's personal copy that the label sent him for review/approval before they issued/supplied it proper.
Even though the Revel label put out unofficial bootlegs, the fact that Cope sold both Japan '91 and CvW on the Merchandiser suggests they met with his prior approval and possible involvement.