1919 PHE long term value (Opinions?)
 

Several years back I purchased a nice 1919 PH-E 12ga. 28" barrels. I have an uncle that really wanted the gun so I sold it to him. I recently re acquired it and am trying to figure out what I need to do with it. When I sold it my Uncle sent it to Larry DelGreco to have a new correct pad installed on it. To do it correctly he was told that the stock would have to be re-finished which it was. Problem is there was a crack right behind the upper left side of the receiver and it is glaringly obvious. I am also not happy with the stock re-finish. No issue with DelGreco, I just think this gun deserved more attention. Case colors are 25% to 35% and bluing is every bit of 95%. Screw slots are perfect as is the gun overall.

After that long winded description here is my question. Would this gun be worth the money needing to be spent on it to correct the stock, either by repair or replacement? I will never shoot or use the gun as I am more of a collector.

I can post photos..

Of course pictures are a must if you want specific answers. But, if you aren’t going to use it the stock crack becomes a cosmetic issue for you. There are some great stock guys on here who can help you determine the best course of action but they’re going to need pictures. Look in the FAQ section for that tutorial or we can help you post them.

The stock NEEDED to be refinished to install a pad? Sounds like someone was fed a line of you know what.

Agreed, Brian. Anyone who says the stock has to be refinished when installing a pad, simply doesn't know how to install a pad. Not surprising, considering who did the job.
Fix the crack. A proper repair hardly ever hurts the value, but restocking it, regardless of the stocker, and quality of wood, will never add value, and usually diminish it.

Or either something happened to the stock after they got it and they wanted to cover it up as well as get paid for it .

Finish can be French polish, Tru Oil or best in my opinion, Timberluxe.

I do not recommend the rattle can spray on lacquer.

Here is a typical P grade stock , this refinished with Timberluxe by me .

Good advice from all but I would still like to see what was done to "refinish" your stock.

Can you please post pictures of both sides of the stock from the frame to the end of the pad?





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I would put the gun on gunbroker with a 1 cent start and no reserve, sell it and move on. It's likely someone who enjoys fixer uppers will buy the gun for it's true value.

Dean Romig suggested pictures. Those pictures may actually suggest who may have been at fault. They may also suggest if the gun had ever been or not been in Del Grego's shop.

Here are photos. This post isn't about pointing fingers, I have no clue other than what my Uncle told me about the pad and stock. I can say the stock was refinished and pad added after I sold it to him and have no reason to doubt him as far as who did the work. I suggested DelGrego to him for a pad.

I just need to know opinion wise if it is worth the added cost to repair.