I like Deans approach and suspect it would work. If it doesn't, send it to someone who can do it right.

Don't do anything for at least five years. If you do anything, it will be wrong in five years. Maybe 15 or 20 years ago, I bought a field used VHE .410 Skeet. I have not done anything to it in 15 or 20 years. In that 15 or 20 years, I haven't seen an absolutely original field used VHE .410 Skeet. I think that mine may be the only one left. All the rest are refinished. What do you think the serious collector will be searching for? I would love to buy the .410 pictured by the original poster, but I guess a refinisher will end up with it. I have a 20 gauge VHE full optioned gun with similar wood and I have avoided refinishing that heat damaged wood on that mint gun for more than 20 years. It will be worth thousands more than a refinished gun when I choose to sell it. Refinished wood means refinished metal---who can tell?

They're out there Bill. Take a drive up north and have a look at John Dunkle's VHE .410 Skeet gun with everything but a ventilated rib... All Original! They are scarce, granted, but I have handled three in the last few years and Lord knows that is only a fraction I'm thinking.





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I know of an original VHE 410 skeet as well.

Between the few extremely qualified stock people we know who frequent this board, and others, whose reputation speaks for them, I would trust this gun to them. If Alan's gun were mine, I'd want to admire a beautiful gun, not one that once was, now is not, but 'still original'. Why do we pay these craftsmen? If I had to worry about whether something as easily fixed as the wood finish will hurt my exit value, I probably wouldn't have half the guns I do have.
A lot of people pound the table in the name of originality when it's someone else's gun, but they don't hesitate to 'tidy up' their own.

Alan, you have heard many views on your gun and I support Edgars view especially if the current finish displeases you. Deans solution has merit but since alcohol is a solvent for shellac it has risk too that I would try to avoid. If I OWNED your gun, I would start at the butt end of the stock with 600 wet/dry sandpaper and boiled linseed oil and ascertain my results. If satisfactory I would continue, if not I might try Deans method. If that failed Edgars method would be employed.

" Maybe 15 or 20 years ago, I bought a field used VHE .410 Skeet. I have not done anything to it in 15 or 20 years. In that 15 or 20 years, I haven't seen an absolutely original field used VHE .410 Skeet. I think that mine may be the only one left."

Yes you have Bill.... Chantilly VA number of years ago.

I'd send it to an experienced 'Parker' stock man (we/you know who they are), have him look it over and give you his recommendation. Too nice a gun not to have the wood glorified again. Then take it out and enjoy it while your still 'young'.