Are opinion changing on restoring a shotgun?

[Ruff Hunter]

Here is an auction--not mine--far from over as I type this, of a reasonably well restored Parker VH 12 gauge. The current price, being about $1100, is more than it would sell for (at least on GB) if it were all original and down in the 20 or 30% range, which is probably where it was when restored. And the auction isn't over. I am watching this auction to further understand how the market responds to properly (even if not perfectly) restored Parkers, which was the original point of this thread. Clearly, a proper restoration does increase market value if the gun started at 30% or less condition, and very likely dramatically so if it was previously botched, such as a hot blued frame "refinish".

The question in my mind is whether the increase in market value will exceed the cost of the properly performed restoration? In most cases, and especially with lower grade guns, that does not appear to be the case, which is likely why we see so few properly restored field grade guns on the market. Its like counterfeiting a one dollar bill.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=363163311

[Mills]

Restoring a gun to make a profit is a losing game, just like restoring old houses, old cars or almost anything else. I am restoring a DH 10 gauge that was beat to hell. Fortunately, I did not pay much for it, but I will still have a lot more in it than it is worth. I am doing it for the satisfaction of bringing an old gun back to life.

[C.O.B.]

Originally Posted by Mills Morrison

I am doing it for the satisfaction of bringing an old gun back to life.

THATS exactly why a restorastion should be done, to give a fitting speciman another 100 years of field time.

[Bill Murphy]

If it weren't for the need for restocking, I would have my blued 28 gauge redone. It is a great gun, but no one appreciates the fine gloss blue on the receiver. It has a rare N.F. Strebe Gun Works recoil pad, so I'm guessing that my old friend Norman Strebe probably blued the gun as well as restocking it. Norman's shop is about three good baseball throws from William Wagner's gun store where the gun was originally sold in 1900. As I recall, we determined that this gun was the seventh 28 gauge sold by Parker Brothers. I would have to reread the PP article to be sure.

[Ray Masciarella]

Mills, I restored one of those old Savannah homes on Harris St and I think (hope) I'm ahead of the game. Just have to buy the rascals right!!!

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

For what it is worth, we restore far more high grade guns than field grade guns. However we have never lost out on a Restoration of a good basic field gun. We evaluate what the function and cosmetics would cost in a high condition gun. Each gun needs to be evaluated on an individual basis. A properly restored P grade will bring a 60 to 70 percent value. Assume that a 70% C grade in original condition will yield a very high price at auction. Take a C in less than 30% and Restore it to 90% it will yield At least a 70% sale value, far higher than the cost of Restoration.
The most significant fact is that a Restoration that is done in the same fashion as the original manufacturer is not a refinish, rather a proper preservation of the guns original integrity.

Brad

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Brad Bachelder

... The most significant fact is that a Restoration that is done in the same fashion as the original manufacturer is not a refinish, rather a proper preservation of the guns original integrity.

Brad

Mr. Bachelder is most respected in his field, and I may be too strict in my limits of vocabulary here... but "preservation" is the retention of original finish. Restoration is its recreation... as far as an independent workman can match it.

Thus, "restoration" is, by clarity of language, still restoration.

Nonetheless, Mr. Bachelder's wise assessment of the relative values of the work is well stated. And I have the greatest admiration for his craftsmanship, I might add!

This should, in no way, be interpreted as a criticism of his work, his fine character, or his opinions.

[BRDHNTR]

Bravo Brad

[ddp]

well said Brad

[Paul Stafford III]

As I am a young collector, compared to most of the experts in this forum. People will pay whatever the price if they want the gun bad enough, so called original, or restored. There are many qualified Parker gunsmiths in our member base. It's my opinion that none of them would perform work to intentionally devalue a prized Parker.

On a side note:
I have several Parkers that were sent back (PGCA letter noted), things changed, refinished, replaced ect. Why?? Obviously the original caretakers wanted the guns to fit their use and lifestyle. Does this mean we should not enjoy them? Clean 100 years of crud off the stocks to see the beautiful wood below? Refinish the Damascus to see the original pattern that once was..??

I think we would all love to have an un-touched, all original never fired Parker. The reality of this idea is only for a limited number of collectors. I shoot my Parkers all of the time, care for them and most of all admire them. A Trojan can make me smile as much as an A grade, it's all about what you love and appreciate.

I'll now step off my soapbox.....