The uneven relation of wood to metal (metal not uniformly proud) suggests more to do with shrinkage than, say, more than one refinish: thus the wood could be unstable, and move more when it got to Virginia. Also, the wood near the top of the head looks weathered, like the gun spent time on a back porch. It could split on firing, the bearing surfaces having voids. Or it could last 50 years in regular use.


Only you know if it's worth the gamble.

Mike

Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes

Consistency is the currency of credibility