My views are split on the subject of originality. Guns that are of a very high percentage or so rare that there are few remaining specimens should be left alone. I term these "reference guns." From an academic stand point they allow us to understand a maker's original finishes etc. Years ago I suggested that someone should do a photo gallery of such guns and I'm pleased to see some of the maker specific sites have done so. Unfortuneately these guns usually disapear into collections and are rarely seen again.
That someone should take a lesser specimen ans restore it I see as a compliment to those who have gone before us. Note that a number of responses have dwelled on value. Bushmaster valued restoring this gun to the extent that he checked with an authority on Ithaca and then sought to share it with the rest of us. Thanks to Bushmaster.
