[Larry the Gun Guy]

I would be inclined to leave it as found as well. Who else has a gold washed Parker? I would say that it's a part of the history of the gun and a part of the history of the times. However, if that doesn't work for you you may want to contact a jeweler. They may know how to remove it without causing any harm. Or Doug Turnbull; they may have come across something like it restoring guns in their shop.