John, I agree with your non etching point of view and preservation of the gun is very important to me. This, somehow without taking from my grandfatheres history of the gun. This is why I am somewhat torn between leaving it as is, just maintaining its current condition, or reconditioning it to help in its preservation. The only issue I can find, others that ascetics is it being slightly off face.
Brian, the chipping on and around the lever is a bit confusing to me as well. The last time my grandfather would have used this gun would have been in the late 40's to early 50's and any work he would have had done to it would have been some time before that. I'm not sure if this time line helps in identifying any processes that may have been used.
Bobby.
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