Finally Picked up a Hammer

[Scowl]

Been wanting a Hammer gun for a while. Most of the ones I've come across have been wall hangers. This one is in pretty good shape functionally and structurally. Some brown patina going on but no pitting and a good twist Damacus still visible. Serial# ties it to 1877 so it's also the oldest Parker I own now. It's 16Ga as well so also the only non-12ga I own.

The butt plate is smooth with no pattern. Wondering if that was normal. There is no grade mark but the lack of embellishments indicates it's probably a lower grade 0 or 1, but I'm no expert. Sorry I didn't take a picture of the barrel. I'll be sure to do that when I have it out again. Going to order a research letter on it.

I treat my Parker collection as an heirloom collection for my kids to hold onto or cash in on some day. Are these old hammers worth the cost of refurb/refinish by a reputable smith?