Jay for the most part I would say "yes", but if the gun is a basket case ie broken stock, highly polished frame and it is a higher grade or rare gun then no restoring it would make sense. A gun like Bruce posted "no way", leave it the way it is and I would say the same for probably 90% of the guns we come accross. Eric

Jay, I would definitely agree with that and I'll bet Bill thinks so too.

Thanks for all the replies..........I really appreciate the advice. The gun was handed down to me from my dad who recently passed. Dad was in the gun business for 60 years - he took the gun in on trade 30 years ago. He got it right since the buttstock had been replaced (not what I would call a professional job). I put new wood on the gun (both stock and forearm) and brought to back to original specs (I've been doing this gunsmithing thing a while myself). Was considering going the rest of the way - I was certain I would get the replies I did on having the case coloration restored. Perhaps I will just pursue rebluing the barrels. Question - were the original Parker trigger guards blued or were they treated somewhat differently?

Nitter blue

Steve, thanks for posting "the rest of the story." Hoped it was something like this. If you don't mind how about sharing some photos. I think I speak for most of the crowd when I say it's always a treat to see a great old gun gets a well deserved makeover.

Cheers,

JDG

Yes, please show some pictures.

Jay, yes, I agree with your statement about refinishing and diminished values. I am waiting for the pictures of this little DHE.

Guys,
Just did the final fit on the wood. Will be happy to provide pictures once checkering and finish complete.

Opening Day.....How does the "Nitter blue" process differ from conventional rust blue?

Believe Nitre blue is more of a blue black blue and very high gloss. I believe it would be the same as a Carbonia blue, (could be wrong).