20 gauge CHE found in a garden shed

[Bruce Day]

Exterior pits can be filled and filed by a micro welding technique, the same way molds are repaired. Here is a B which had one of the bolsters badly corroded and which was weld filled , filed and re-engraved so that the repair is imperceptible.

Exterior pits in barrels , fluid or Damascus are easy in comparison and regularly corrected.

Reconstruction of this gun will be a costly and lengthy process requiring the owner's patience and pocketbook and a master gunsmith's expertise. There are also several stockmakers that could do the project. A nice stick of thinshell walnut will run $1000 to maybe $1500 that is appropriate for the grade then maybe a year or two for the woodwork.

Mr. Butler's estimate may be close on the low side. Done right, the finished gun should be worth in excess of $15,000. Done wrong, its a do over.

[C.O.B.]

If it were mine I would have the work done. it's costly but the cost is going to be spread out over a year probably two maybe even a little longer.

I would send your pictures to Jim Kelley, Brad Batchelder, Brian Dudley and Doug Turnbull for an estimate on the cost and a time frame.