[wterrell]

Hugh,

If you do not tell anybody, you have just increased the value of the piece.

You have probably just increased the value, at any rate, because of the value of the intact safety, plus the value of your pistol.

But I would urge you not to let the cat out of the bag. Tell everyone that it is original, and they will have the devil of a time proving otherwise!

(But that is just between you and me!)

To be realistic, that safety will migrate, eventually, from a good condition pistol to a fine condition pistol, then to an excellent condition pistol, whether or not was original to your pistol. And your pistol will have its previous value again. So, do not agonize over it.