Box size as given by seller is 149cm x 80cm x 21cm. I saw the bike in the box, but I don't know exactly how far it was dismantled in the photo. I think aside from the wheels, the handlebar was removed; not sure if that included the stem or not. If the cranks (drive side anyways, and saddle/post were removed it shouldn't be that large aside from box width. I will ask how much has been broken down. It should not be a problem to remove the fork also, but I am not sure if I am just dealing with a bike owner trying to sell, or a bike owner with knowledge and tools regarding full disassembly of a bike. I also need to know what the Italian post's max. box size is. I would have no problem paying 200 euro given the total cost would still be under $1000, and the seller has been super nice in offering to ship as well as taking it apart and boxing it to the extent that he has. I do have a couple of friends over there whom I get parts and frames from (just had 2 frame sets sent for $60 total) so I'll inquire how they ship, and ask how far they are from the bike's location since I know they would get it for me if not too much trouble; and I'd pay them something for their time and effort to boot. I'd be happy with about 800 euros ($900) total cost for me; but up to a 875 euros ($1000) would still be okay. I know I would be paying $800-$1000 in parts alone in the US aside from a $300-$400 frame; but I have a budget too.
It's funny because I was trying to buy a set of early 1950s Universal calipers for 15 euro which an Italian guy said he had no problem shipping (drop them in a padded envelope) to the US (not an ebay sale), but after a month of back and forth, and me telling him I would pay up to 20 euros for shipping (I regularly get same type stuff from Italy for 15 euros or less; and I saw calipers on ebay this month shipping from Italy for 10 euros). He said he would check the cost, but only came back with how it has cost him 30 euros to ship to like items to Germany; but not what the actual cost would be for the US. The item has been on sale for a couple months so not sure why it is a problem to get an actual cost. I think he was trying to take me for a ride on shipping so I dropped that issue even though I knew he could make more money shipping for 20 euros per my recent experience.