I wonder why it's mounted that way? The only explanation I can think of is the fuel tank of the Briggs doesn't clear the chute of the base. That's why old high arch Victas had then mounted that way and as a result an unsightly coat of soot formed against the rear of the base.

The seller would be better off finding a steel base to put that on. The left hand side of this cast aluminum base is worn also.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!