Chris, why stop the auction if you're in a pickle? If the description was correct and somebody wanted to pay for it, what's wrong with that?
Personally I would have either offered it back to the guy who sold it to you (nobody lets these things go easily) in refurbished condition without making a loss or let it run and share the profits with him (like as you said it didn't sit well with you).
I'm not that way inclined mate, I was over the moon with that price it's loads more than I expected and I just felt that was enough for a used bat. Plus the person who bought it asked early offered me a set price and he made that offer so I accepted.
I have also spoke and offered off my own back something for the person I acquired this from. I did not force the person to sell to me but felt it was right to offer something back to that person.