GaryW,
Yes, the locking screw should be aligned, with the axis of the gun. What you called a "hinge pin screw head" is actually a cover plate for the hinge pin. The locking screw may just need tightening, or it may have been removed and placed in a different location. This may or may not indicate the hinge pin was replaced( to put the gun back "on face"). As far as the gun having been apart; it is well over 100 years old, and I would think it would be very unusual, if it had not been taken apart in it's lifetime. Yes it could have "warts" inside, but "warts" could have been cured in the process, also. As far as the finish is concerned, this would have been whatever was ordered by the importer. If you can find the importers adverts., you might find them helpful.
Regarding the locking screws(and others), they are usually marked on the end, to indicate which side of the action they belong on.
Mike
