Yes, my thought is to try and find someone knowledgeable in the area and get their opinion. There are some collectors at gun shows in New Orleans and Baton Rouge on occasion. I may seek an opinion from them. If there was a forum member in south Louisiana willing to take a look that would certainly be ideal.
I'm fine with whichever way this works out. I just want to treat it in a way appropriate to what it is. I don't want to mishandle it if it's a collector piece, but neither do I want to venerate it if it's not worthy.
Thanks for the help whit this. I appreciate it.