It did call into perspective the question why someone would make such an investment in what otherwise would be a most ordinary O/U.
Some folks just want to make a favorite gun something special for them to enjoy shooting without any consideration of the cost or future resale value. I've been toying with the idea of redoing this 16 ga. Tula Model B sxs hammer gun (that "experts" think was made between 1917 and 1945) to a straight stock with checkering, case hardened frame, refreshed engraving and rust blued barrels. I like the gun, it is unusual, I shoot it well and I have no intention of selling it anytime soon. However, why would I want to spend $1200-$1500 or more on a gun I bought used for $350? The only justification is to have something special that I would enjoy owning and shooting for a long time.
