Okay! Calm down, I know this is not a handgun.
I am posting these before and after pictures of what can be done with a apparently hopeless derelict.
If this were not an important local historic piece owned by a prominent founding family's member, I would not have taken the time to resurrect this relic.
It was in the museum fire and the staff really wanted me to do what I could to bring it back. The time and parts required to preserve this relatively common rifle was worth far more than the monetary value ever could hope to be!
Because this was for a museum and they did ask nicely and I do NOT charge museums any fee for my service. I was challenged to the task. I took a bath on this one!
It was found lying under a burned basement cabinet against a wall laying in water and ashes. The workers hosed it off and wrapped it in a piece of canvas then it came to me.
I looked at it and said, "Really!" are you kidding? The Director and Administrator told me what it was. Even at that I had my doubts. There are some things that are just not recoverable. It started life s am early "long wristed" US Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle. It was just simply awful and ugly!
I'll let the following pictures speak for themselves..... John
I am posting these before and after pictures of what can be done with a apparently hopeless derelict.
If this were not an important local historic piece owned by a prominent founding family's member, I would not have taken the time to resurrect this relic.
It was in the museum fire and the staff really wanted me to do what I could to bring it back. The time and parts required to preserve this relatively common rifle was worth far more than the monetary value ever could hope to be!
Because this was for a museum and they did ask nicely and I do NOT charge museums any fee for my service. I was challenged to the task. I took a bath on this one!
It was found lying under a burned basement cabinet against a wall laying in water and ashes. The workers hosed it off and wrapped it in a piece of canvas then it came to me.
I looked at it and said, "Really!" are you kidding? The Director and Administrator told me what it was. Even at that I had my doubts. There are some things that are just not recoverable. It started life s am early "long wristed" US Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle. It was just simply awful and ugly!
I'll let the following pictures speak for themselves..... John