TA Cyclotouriste cranks came on a wide variety of bikes back in the day. They were also a very common upgrade for a long tour on an otherwise crappy low-end bike. Add a Suntour VGT and a 14-34 freewheel and you are ready for a cross-country adventure.
Maybe the seller didn't have the right tools, or the frame was rusty, bent, or simply a piece of "Merde".
I'd much rather see the seller cut out the entire crankset than strip the 23mm crankarm removal threads (very common) or the left-hand pedal threads.
Looks like the chainrings are pretty worn-out and maybe the seller suspected he wasn't gonna get a big fat payday from the auction ?
Seen Far Worse Sins,
Mike Fabian
San Francisco, CA