bcc

I must say that I agree with Kyries' summation of the issue. This subject may be touchie but it should'nt be. The most important thing is to know why you collect (what draws you to the piece/subject) and second, what it is that you are looking at (ie really "mint" or expertly restored?). Depending on how well you understand the answer to "why you collect", any answer to the second question "what is it" may be just fine. To address another post; the authentication of a piece is an entirely different matter. If I believe that an item (this could be based on any number of reasons) was used in a certian configuration, then I leave it in that condition. If I buy a Luger (for instance) that is all period and matched except the Triple k mag, then I am not "above" replacing it with a mismatched correct type mag....I am trying to fool no one, only reuniting period components to once again have a "of the period" configuration.

This can actually be a fun and worthwhile question to soul search because it forces you to understand the items you seek and why.