I've always enjoyed engraved rifles, but not heavy handed engraving. I like engraving that is very light, regardless of coverage. Some of the European engravers almost carved their guns, and that type of engraving doesn't appeal to my eye.

40_Rod wrote on Nov 1^st, 2011 at 7:54am:


That is certainly true, which is why I collect field grade SxS's. They don't fake plain guns, and "restored" work is usually obvious. If the condition is too good to be true, then it's probably "restored". 

A friend of mine who checkers & stocks, was asked some years ago if he could duplicate the parker A1 special checkering by a highly regarded maker of shotguns. His replay was, "yes I can, but no I won't!" 

Regards, Ron

In Europe they re built single shots allot. As the larger caliber rifles went out of style for target shooting many nice single shots were re barreled or liners installed. Liners added in Europe were really different, I had one that was punch staked at the muzzle in a pattern that looked like art work it was so nice. At the same time maybe it was engraved, or blued, or a new stock added. To me they all look nice, I Just love the old ones.
Mike

Perkerwho Joe? I know. We all have our pet peeves. And everyone likes a good looking gun. 
Mike

That Bubba sure does get around, I have seen his work at almost every gun show. I really get worried when I see a 150 yr old rifle what looks new, Bubba been there again. I have seen at auction an almost pristine Colt model 1861 or 63 rifle that I bet was never fired, it was the Armory girl and never left. When you can get the provenance to show the condition then that is a good deal that you can bank on most of the time.
I had an auctioneer this last year unknowingly involved in a scam involving an untouched rifle he had inherited in a box. Boy was that a scam. Seems the Internet saved my bacon that day as I did a search and sure enough I found him, his rifle and his damned project box on a different web site 3-4 years back. The auctioneer I know was not part of it. But it sure rubbed me wrong. If it looks to good it probably is. Remeber what Barnum said about one born every minute.
Mike

Suspect the attitude against re-finish and toward high condition is the fact that most Americans can have anything they want, so want mostly whats hard to get.  When I used to collect 03 Springfield's gun that had not been back to the Arsenal for re-work and upgrade was highly sought after. Think about it, one that's never been re-worked probably never went anywhere.  Not as desirable to me. Missing the upgrades meant it was likely stolen or somehow taken out of the system. Even sale rifles went back for re-building before sale most of the time.

Last year wanted a nice old S&W target 6 inch to shoot. Ended up with a Factory re-finished M 1905 that was near perfect, marked with the star beside the number that indicated factory re-blue probably pre WW II. It was less than half the price of a original finish well worn gun. Suited me just fine

Having said all that slightest sign of Bubba working on a gun won't even give it a 2nd glance.

Boats

I have a couple of refinished guns that I am perfectly happy with. Bought them for the right price and they look good and shoot great.

Am spoiled and am glad of it.  No apoliges for that from me. Let them keep the Euro & Metric system.  We can buy anything we want, they have to ask the European commission.  Don't even get me started on Asia.

When I worked and shot matches in Australia average guy in our club had 2 or 3 rifles max.  Guys I fished with half a dozen rods was a whole lot.   

Not going to say how many guns I own spread around the house so they are not easy to count.  Fishing rods are in racks shop celling. Friend of my Wife's started counting one day. Threw her out of the shop at 50, Fly rods all stored in cases she missed.

Boats