Chuck:
You may very well be right regarding the collector value of totally restored firearms. I guess it will depend on how our hobby continues to evolve. As we all know great value is placed on totally restored cars in the collectible and classic field.
On the other hand; stripping the finish and totally renovating a piece of 18th Century furniture is frowned on in that collector community.
A not so well kept secret is many of the Lugers seen in pristine condition haven't been that way since day one. They used to call this fakery but I'm not sure what they call it today.
Jim

The 2nd Amendment IS an unalienable right.