1) If the neighbor owned the washer and dryer, as would be the case if they were owned jointly by the husband and wife, he had a right to sell them; therefore, your purchase of them was lawful, and the wife has no grounds to sue you for their recovery. She may be angry about the sale, but he would have had the right to sell them.2) If she threatens you with violence, you probably should make a police report to ake a record of it; you may wish to also consider possible seeking a protective order.