Are opinion changing on restoring a shotgun?

[Ray Masciarella]

Mark, I could not have said it better and I totally share your view. Restoring that Parker is a close call IMHO, but the Fox and Smith are clearly better for their restorations, again IMHO. With that said, I think the value of the Parker, in more ways than one, was enhanced with the restoration.

Russ, I see your point of view also. As Mark stated, it is a personal choice the owner has to be happy with. At first, I didn't understand your statement that you had no problem doing a partial refinish but don't like a total restoration. My first thought was: what's the difference? But after tought, I think there can be a difference. The only problem is that for the purist, once a gun is messed with it is always messed with. There is no going back. So for them partially vs totally restored is still a messed with gun.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

This is a partial restoration in which the "unwritten history" of this 32" EH 10 gauge was preserved.

Jerry Andrews repaired the bolt through the stock.

Brad Bachelder did a partial restoration on only the metal parts of the gun.

Oh, this Parker gets hunted! It has been with me many days in the layout boat!

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Restoration is a term used too loosely in this industry. Often refinished guns are represented as "Restored". A fresh coat of poly and a blue job do not constitute a Restoration. A total Restoration is basicaly a complete remanufacture with the most strict diciplines applied in techniques and process. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes. Every American manufactured Double has its own set of signature nuances. Finishing marks, colors, patina, dimensions and function parimeters. To apply Fox techniques to a Parker will yield an incorrect Restoration. A refinished model 12 Is just that, a good field Gun, A restored model 12 is a great field Gun, but also a thing of beauty.
In ten years a properly Restored Double will look just like its untouched counterpart.
As for value consider what a properly restored Corvette will fetch at auction.
We don't own our Guns, we are temporary stewards at best. We love our Doubles because they represent a very important part of the history of American Craftsmanship.
Pristine to good original condition Guns should be left untouched. Distressed and poorly maintained Guns can be brought back if done properly.
As stewards we can take great pride in saving these beautiful machines for our enjoyment as well as future generations.

Brad

[Ray Masciarella]

As a former Bloomington Gold and NCRS judge, I can speak to the point made by Brad regarding Corvettes. A Vette restored to typical factory production condition is always worth more, a lot more, than a worn out unrestored example; except in very, very limited circumstances. Interestingly, "survivors", as they are called in the Vette world, have only been recognized in the last 10 years or so. Probably because so many Vettes had been restored there were not many unrestored cars left! For an unrestored Vette to be worth as much as a restored Vette it would have to be 90% original and have near perfect original paint. Very difficult to find in a 40-50 year old auto.

[Craig Larter]

Some like restored guns some don't---there is room for both in our hobby. The restorers will never convince the leave it original crowd to like restored guns and vise versa. So if you want to properly restore a gun---have at it and have fun----just realize that not everyone will be impressed or like the finished product regardless of the quality of the craftsmanship.

[BRDHNTR]

The Mona Lisa, Statue of Liberty, Washington Memorial, Mount Rushmore and many others have all had restoration work done. Their Value.....PRICELESS. (when done by competent restoration artists).....

[paul stafford jr]

I don't think I would ever restore a original gun in high condition. but most of the beaters I see these days are begging for it, theres no shame in saving a old gun. and besides its fun.

[Harry Reed]

This is one of the most interesting threads I have read on the forum since I became a PGCS member. I think a Parker is one of the best examples of American manufacturing craftsmenship from the late 1800's and early 1900's. A $150 1890 C grade Parker compares very favorably when layed next to far more expensive European doubles. I think, when the restoration is done using the original wood and metal on the gun, no historical significance is lost!!! If the specimen restored was in such a rough condition that wood and metal components need replacement, that is fine too. Just be ethical if you are doing it for monetary purposes and disclose what has been done and why. IMHO.

[Ken Hill]

Unfortunately, I agree with everything that's been said. Let me change or ask a slightly different question. Assuming the restoration was done correctly (and this is a big open assumption), if you were to purchase the gun, how would you value the gun?

For example, is the restored gun 50% of a similar gun (grade, barrel length, stock, etc) in 90% condition?

Thanks
Ken

[C.O.B.]

Ken I think each gun would have to be valued on it's own merits or the lack thereof. Small bores bring more regardless. Look at the GH 16 O frame I posted pictures of, I don't think that gun lost anything value wise because it was restored and probably it's value increased.