Yes, I've had reservations on having the finish restored, however I'm from the school of thought that a gun is made to be used except for those rare display pieces. The Royal Armory has 2 of the maker's guns, one on display. The gun has not been "refreshed" I personally know it's history for the past 100 years. The first 50? There was obviously an attachment at one time to the silver inlaid shield, (crest, coat of arms, initials?), we'll never know who it was originally made for. The gun was brought to the states in the early 1900's by a very well to do young Scottish imigrant. What I am sure of is that the gun has seen more shots fired out of it and carry/daily cleaning wear in the past 2 years than in it's prior 150 years. The stock finish has severly darkened over the years and is hiding it's beautifully figured grain. The damascus pattern is showing wear at the muzzles from handling from cleaning and near the breech from carrying. The carrying and cleaning has all but eliminated the gold in the engraving in the breech. This gun is so light and lively, it was made to shoot, and I've had more fun with it than should be legal. The joy of when that wonderfully smelling smoke clears and your dog is retreiving a Pheasant or Grouse is too much to keep to yourself, it's a good thing that I mostly hunt by myself, I don't think most people would understand the smiles and at times out loud laughter.
I have no reservations on hunting with a "pretty" gun which is why I am considering having a finish restoration done.
