Hi Bill,
I think every collector, sooner or later, grapples with these same questions. What is an acceptable repair and what is not? My standard is to do what might be called a field repair, to restore function but not enhance appearance. So I would certainly have a torn belt loop or closure strap on a holster replaced, but would draw the line at a chipped grip or magazine base. In the case of the O.P.'s magazine, I would have recommended that he have a cracked base glued but to leave the chipped ears alone.
I guess you could sum up my philosophy as: Repair, yes. Restore, no.
Regards, Norm

chip repair....
 

Hi to all, it is a very tough repair, but when done correctly, hardly noticeable? The big trick is to not ruin what already exists?... :)… It is not an issue to me either way... All the previous posts are correct in their own light, Best to all, til….lat'r…..GT......:cheers:

Now we know! Thanks GT!

Norm,
Your "philosophy" is summed up nicely, and I could not agree more!

I have a real "problem" when refinishing/restoration slides into re-cutting or re-applying markings and welding and removal of pits, etc. I just don't see how such a restoration can be considered in any way original; and consider it closer to "fake" than original.

I know many do this, and like it, and pay large sums to have it done- but for me such changes do not "add" anything and "subtract" originality. But that is the free choice others can make if they wish.

Some may have seen the thread on the Dreyse I had "restored", it is nice, but I really am not happy with it - and now wish I had just left it alone.:(


Repair yes, "enhance = restore", no. JMHO. :cheers:

I agree completely, any "restoration" would kill the value of a collectible.

My Hero!!!!!!!!!!!

But many rare examples would be lost if we all had that attitude... :banghead:

I still believe a Danzig Luger will show up... :thumbup:

I hope YOU find it!!

Rich,
they would not be "lost", just ugly.:p

Some "repaired" or "re-conditioned" or "re-arsenaled"(I really dislike that term) are collectable-
like police or vopo or Swiss lugers or US 1911 type pistols, and probably some others that were routinely "serviced/upgraded" while in use.

In fact we all snobbed the "arsenal reworks" for yonks, but now any decent reasenalized 1911 is pretty sought after.