Most of the Hopkins & Allen doubles I've seen have the style of buttplate shown on this beauty in photo #8. I'll bet the black paint job on the barrels and action of this gun was less labor intensive than your rust bluing. Rustoleum bluing vs. rust bluing might make an interesting topic here now that ed is back.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=473033162 Keith,
I don't understand why you would possibly have a problem with this gun. It's obviously an 80% collector's item, even though it is possible that it has been professionally restored. (by an old-time Gunsmith in NH, perhaps?) I would think that a little careful touch-up of the period finish would be in order, then an overall coating of lacquer to keep it in it's obvious high condition.
Rustoleum now makes a "Crystal Clear" lacquer, no doubt that'd be period-appropriate. That or a dunk into a vat of poly.
Actually, I kind'a wished I'd seen it. It looks like the Forehand action, and I've got plenty of Zip-Strip...Especially if the barrels were either Twist or Damascus...
Regards
Ken
