I spoke with Paul last spring based on several recommendations and his quote for new stock and FE was in that price range, plus blank (and it will be an expensive blank if you are going to pay that much for the work!). I did not question the value proposition but it was a mismatch for the gun in question. I would agree that sending a gun back to the England would be very expensive - but if that is done through H&H's NY gunroom would those costs/hassles be reduced?

The other consideration is the impact of restocking on value. Presumably restocking by the maker would have less negative effect on value than a restocking by an independent craftsmen. Hard to quantify, no doubt.

Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.