Interesting story, Flathead. Welcome to the forum. Thanks for posting that.

These are the kinds of pieces that definitely should not be "restored", IMO. While not in the category of unique provenance as yours, I have a BE grade Fox that has "L B Hart 1919" crudely engraved into the triggerguard bow. I have not been able to find out much about him, but would never remove that bit of history of the gun.

Hope you can take some pics and post them for us soon.

All my best, SRH


May God bless America and those who defend her.