Not all old guns should be restored. There is much to be said for an evenly worn gun in original condition. Some collectors and hunters prefer an original condition gun with little finish remaining on the metal, over one that has been restored to almost new condition. Others enjoy gazing into the deep rich color of new bluing and bright vibrant patterns of fresh bone charcoal case colors. In our view, no vintage double with more than 50% original case colors should be case color restored. If your gun shows less than that, give careful consideration to whether you really want new colors and bluing. The easiest decisions involve guns that were improperly refinished in the past. A common example would be a vintage double that has had its frame blued or polished. It is hard to imagine a reason not to restore such a piece with correct case colors.

Be aware too that while the surface restoration will make a dramatic difference in your gun's appearance, it is still an old gun with a lot of miles behind it. Deep dents will remain to some extent. Water stains in deep stock scratches are often indelible, and not all exterior barrel pits can be filed away entirely.

Some restorers advertise photos of old vintage doubles with perfect stocks that look new...that's because they are. Those guns have been restocked with new wood in the restoration process. Do not expect the 100 year old stock on your gun to look truly new. The soaked in oil will be removed along with the dark stains it causes, and many dents will have been raised from steaming, and the surface hand polished to 400 grit or finer, but it will still be a 100 year old piece of walnut when you get it back. Only the finish on the surface will truly be new.

Also be aware that with respect to color case hardening, there are no guarantees that we will achieve exactly the colors, pattern and distribution that you desire. Case colors are formed in the span of a split second when the cherry red steel parts, which have been baked in a crucible containing a bone and wood charcoal matrix at 1,350 degrees Fahrenheit, are then dumped into a tank of icy quench water. We will make every effort to obtain the "look" that you desire, but let us be clear that there are no guarantees.