I received the follow PM.
Michael,
I was wondering whether you would care to address the subject of restoration a little more. You have in the past shown us several examples of fine rifles that you or people you know have worked on. But many of the internet auction rifles people show on this forum may have once been fine rifles, but don't look to be in very good shape now. So my question is this: what is possible or desirable with some of these guns.
My perspective is probably a little off because of my automotive background. In that field a "barn find" is just that: it's only value is it's potential. If it is a quality car worth restoring it gets restored. In the gun world, there seems to be a certain reverence for "patina". Restoration seems to be almost a dirty word frequently associated with fakery.
I guess I'm still a car guy, because if the bore isn't in good shape I don't care whose name is on it. If you think the subject worthwhile feel free to respond in the public forum (or not at all, as the spirit moves you!).
