You have what appears to be a GH (grade 2) from about 1889. It has no appreciable collectors market, especially in the shape its in. In other words, you have nowhere to go but up, IMHO. Disassembly may be difficult with the rust. I would not hestitate to clean it up on the outside a little, with Murphy's oils soap on the wood and some careful rust removal as previously described. You could even strip the wood with alcohol and a scrubbie, which would bring out the original grain most clearly, but would need some French Polish applied to seal it and make it look a little like it did when new. Go slow, and take off less rather than more. You have a wall hanger, and should keep it that way. Restoration to shooting status is probably cost prohibitive.
Mike P.
|