replacement: agreed,
and with respect to this subject, a conservator would do no refinishing of a gun of any kind. it would be left exactly as found. perhaps a light cleaning, but nothing more.
and a restorer is by definition, not a conservator.
and from my perspective profit margin is very important.
and as for respect for the object and its future owners, that is too subjective to make a judgement. except, let the market place determine what is to be respected and at what value.
I also deal in antique firearms. my guide lines regarding preservation of antiques are entirely different than for modern firearms...but for the same reason: maximum sale price in the shortest time frame.
in all situations. that is what my consignment customers expect from me. and if I don't perform, guess what, no more consignments.
