jesus, that is bad
before we start slating people etc
so you bought it off someone, who bought it new from PPS? if this is the case then it is looking very likely the lad you bought it off is telling porkies, and please name them if this is the case, let them come and either admit to it, or say that they bought it new like that.
It defo looks like afterwards welding, but you have to ask why was it welded after...