I know what you mean Dwight; my artillery is a ball. I quite agree with your comment about value; it was about 70% pre Thor. I believe I could just about get the cost of the pistol + restoration out of it, so I'm happy.
I just can't bring myself to risk breaking a matching part, dumb, but that's just me.
The artillery matches but has been cleaned up so much a lot of the markings are gone or very faint, (done very well, just a little metal removed to get a true surface again), I can live with the chances on that
I need to get a true mixer to shoot with impunity
I'll have to sell something and jump in before the price of one of even those skyrockets beyond my means.
Happy shooting,
Stu