Single on Ebay absolutely Original?

Is this shop in a long straight road so that they can see you coming from miles away?

That's the cost of patina. Someone will think its worth it. Instant street cred.I like it ,but not for that money.  I don't think its all original at all. But I would use it ,as is.

Those horribly rusty forks aren't original for 1946, with the brake on the left. They are 1938 or earlier (or WD)...and bearing in mind that the tubes aren't sealed, are likely to be as rusty on the inside as the outer surfaces. I wouldn't ride it.  An example perhaps of why these bikes shouldn't be MOT-exempt.

The Doll's Head gearbox is not a 1946 fitment either..

To my eyes, a £3500 project bike...if the forks were sound, maybe £4000.

... for months. They also have a fully "restored" one for the same price. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950-Norton-ES2-500-Classic-Vintage-With-Original-Buff-Book-Matching-Numbers/133349496522?hash=item1f0c3fd6ca:g:JoYAAOSwY5ddJNgv

Someone will always try it on.