The pill on that could be more than that (Ithaca Minier/Crass?) gun is worth if not kept in the right perspective.
As Bill pointed out, the metal needs to be worked back as best as possible. That means the outside diameter back to level. The breachface gets whatever it gets back. I'm guessing maybe 70% back in place. Then, I'd TIG weld it up and dress it down on the breachface. The metal work is actually not all that tough. Any decent engraver could chase the lines and border triangles. The decision starts getting tougher when you look at whether to refinish completely or not. I'd look at the rest of the gun to help make that choice. Also, I'd try to minimize the area I worked on to see if the option of no refinish would be acceptable. There is quite a bit of wear in the breach area of those barrels. Maybe some local fume rust blueing and a mild etch. But, just polished up may be fine too. The metal repair, minus engraving and refinish looks like a couple hours work to me.
Last edited by Chuck H; 12/14/11 11:13 AM.
