restoration vs. refinishing

[The Virginian]

I think it depends on what is considered a restoration and to what degree. For example if the pistol has one part that has the bluing worn off like a side plate or screw, and then these are properly re-rust blued to match the pistol with no loss of detail, I'd say it is improved. If the gun has what I like to call a "sympathetic restoration" which is really a good thorough cleaning generally this helps maintain value. A junker that is expertly restored should also increase in value. An over buffed reblue will even ruin a shooter grade junker's collector value forever. I personally always try to go with the "sympathetic restoration" first and even that should not go too far to remove too much "patina" on the gun or making it too shiny by over polishing it with steel wool as is the case with many "original finish" guns that have been rubbed down to bare metal.