before about 1950 ALL vehicles were registered using the engine serial number [different states switched at diffenent times] - if you've got one titled that way, it's correct, and the DMV in the state of first reg will be able to tell you that, and prolly WV will know that as well - ask that appraiser for yer money back!!
the time you'll run into trouble, is if you replace the engine and loose that number! guard it w/ a gun
Bill
