I have a W&C Scott ca 1863/65 Pinfire which has on the Rib, presumably put there by the maker "For Ben'j D Kennedy Louisville KY". I purchased it from a Louisville collector & he told me he had done some research on Mr Kennedy & all he was able to find was a buisness license for a Jewlery Store in Louisville during the period the gun was built. He apparently was neither born nor died there, as neither birth or death certificates could be found.
This to me adds interest to the gun even though I know little about the man.
I would agree though if it was put on in a sloppy manner it would certainly detract.

Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra