I think it comes down to whether you view guns as tools (perhaps the most aethestically refined tool there is) or historical artifacts to be protected accordingly. If you view them as tools, then they need to be maintained accordingly, as is generally done in Europe. Obviously, there are some historically significant guns that should be left as is - Lord Ripon's Purdey hammerguns should be left in the condition he shot them obviously.
Me personally - I view my guns as beautiful tools to be maintained as needed, and think refurbishing should be viewed as giving the gun the respect it is due (not to mention Trafalgar's point about protective finishes and slippery grips). But buyers, especially here, generally pay more for original condition, reflecting that there are a lot buyers who view leaving the gun in original condition as being more appropriate (and vaulable).
