Sharps Borchard 1878

[harvwhit]

Hi members, from a newbie here on GCF.

I've got a question, "restore or not restore" I know there are mixed opinions, it should be a working model vs don't ruin it's collector value, so I'm looking for some good feedback here.

My mom's estate has a Sharps Borchardt 1878 Old reliable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharps-Borchardt_Model_1878

It’s got some rust, but the action works. I’ve got pics I can send. It appears to be the military version due to the round barrel, and what looks like a 50cal bore.

So, restore or not restore, that is the question.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

~Harv

[harvwhit]

sorry double post, like I said a newbie here....

[A square 10]

i would gently clean it with oil and brass wool and leave the finish as is , even if you intend to use it as a shooter preserving its value is only prudent for your pocketbook and these are sought after ,

i have no idea of value , but there were not all that many made in those five years and lord knows how many survived , besides they are not making them anymore [save for the replicas]