[wterrell]

[quote]it now looks like a factory-fresh 1918 DWM <hr></blockquote>

But, it is not a 'factory-fresh' 1918 DWM! And compared to an honest, original pistol, the historical value is nothing.

Luke, the ruination was done before you bought it, and the most a person can do at this point is make the best of a bad situation. The rebluing-destruction is the problem, though.

The sweat from fright and terror of the soldier clutching the pistol in the trench, while awaiting for the next mortar to end his life, or while confronting the enemy cresting the edge of his fox hole, errodes and changes the original blue on the grip strap. Water from rain and sleet. Abrasion from the mud and dirt. This is the value and history that is instilled into the weapon. Why buff it away?
An item does not have to be shiny to be of great value.

I have a brother-in-law who has shelac-ed more old Winchesters and Remingtons than is lawfully allowed. If it don't shine, it ain't worth a damn. I often wonder if my sister doesn't shine in the buff!