What can or should we do, OR not?
Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:14 am
George's birthday has started me thinking old - regardless of the fact that I am! 
Q. 1 - How much can we do and still be original? Being new to guns in general and specifically new to older guns (I found out I might even have a collector or two!!), what can or can't I do to "help" some of my older guns?
Today, I learned how to "fix" a buggered screw head on a Winey. Does fixing it, then rebluing the head make the gun not original and/or something I should disclose if or when I sell it? How about replacing a screw with a vintage or a new manufactured screw?
I doubt that this one would matter, but ...? A while back I learned that there is a right and wrong way to clean up a model 8/81 barrel. The barrel had been left for many years with moisture inside the sleeve, thus around the outside of the barrel was a lot of gunk and rust. The inside rifling was not affected and the rifle fired fine. Now the barrel is slightly discolor (as most of them seem to be), would there be any reason to disclose the cleaning that I did?
How about inter changing stocks, butt plates, sights, etc., things that are not numbered, period correct, and fit the same?
Q. 2 - How about restoring (NOT refinishing) e.g.: http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/stor ... atid=19872 or http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/default.htm and others.
You guys that have been around this game for awhile or you who are looking: what is the resale/collector value after a "complete restoration"? (Since the rumor is, that we will not be getting out of this life alive; and we won't be taking anything with us when we leave...) What would my wife have if I left her a very early collectable 1894 completely restored by Trunbull? Anyone know any of his that have resold? Or, any of the other really good restorers?
Q. 1 - How much can we do and still be original? Being new to guns in general and specifically new to older guns (I found out I might even have a collector or two!!), what can or can't I do to "help" some of my older guns?
Today, I learned how to "fix" a buggered screw head on a Winey. Does fixing it, then rebluing the head make the gun not original and/or something I should disclose if or when I sell it? How about replacing a screw with a vintage or a new manufactured screw?
I doubt that this one would matter, but ...? A while back I learned that there is a right and wrong way to clean up a model 8/81 barrel. The barrel had been left for many years with moisture inside the sleeve, thus around the outside of the barrel was a lot of gunk and rust. The inside rifling was not affected and the rifle fired fine. Now the barrel is slightly discolor (as most of them seem to be), would there be any reason to disclose the cleaning that I did?
How about inter changing stocks, butt plates, sights, etc., things that are not numbered, period correct, and fit the same?
Q. 2 - How about restoring (NOT refinishing) e.g.: http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/stor ... atid=19872 or http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/default.htm and others.
You guys that have been around this game for awhile or you who are looking: what is the resale/collector value after a "complete restoration"? (Since the rumor is, that we will not be getting out of this life alive; and we won't be taking anything with us when we leave...) What would my wife have if I left her a very early collectable 1894 completely restored by Trunbull? Anyone know any of his that have resold? Or, any of the other really good restorers?