Ted,
Thank you. I completely understand your point, and I appreciate your honesty.
I am not looking to spend thousands trying to turn the gun back into a shooter if the economics simply do not make sense. For the moment, I intend to preserve it as it is and continue researching its history before making any decision about restoration.
What interests me most now is understanding exactly what No. 16143 originally was when it left Westley Richards, whether the present barrels are original to the gun or were fitted later, and, if possible, identifying the owner represented by the gold “A.C.M.” oval.
If the gun turns out to have an interesting documented history or an unusual original specification, I would rather preserve that history than carry out an expensive restoration that might destroy some of its originality.
Your opinion on the barrels is therefore very useful to me, even if it is not the answer I was hoping for.
Thank you again for your help and for taking the time to look at the gun.
Best,
Thomas
