BH Again, Help with Value, Restore or not?

[Bruce Day]

Don't mess with it. If you are going to sell it, let the next owner risk a bad restoration. There is one restorer who would do a wonderful job, but since you are selling it, the safe bet is to not. There is a possibility that a first class metal restoration would add more than the cost of the restoration, but you would have a 6-9 month delay and a $1500 to 2000 investment. It is not certain that you would gain, particularly since you have shown photos here and interested purchasers would know that it is restored.

The history is interesting, but all these high grade Parkers have an interesting history. Unless its somebody beyond the normal high end fame and fortune, it won't add value in my opinion. If it were Gen Patton, a president, Hemingway, etc it would make a difference, but if its just another monied banker with a mansion on the hill, well, so what? I can trace back several of my guns to interesting people and it makes a nice story, but it doesn't add to the value.

You can talk up the straight stock, about 20% of B's were straight stock, but those who favor straight stocks were and still are in the clear minority however they talk about how desireable straight stocks are.

Here is the 2012 Fjestad Blue Book page. I'd call it 30%, others will have their own opinions.