It's heartbreaking to see the condition of that gun now. But as it's been said, every cloud has a silver lining. The silver lining here is that you got your dad's gun back.

Sorry to say, those aren't "character markings" on that gun...it's damage, pure and simple, from abuse and neglect.

I don't often recommend refinishing, but in this case I believe it's warranted. And justified. I don't believe I could stomach looking at the damage done to my dad's gun by whatever lowlife stole it and by however many other lowlifes handled the gun.

From what I've heard from members here and on other forums, I believe Ford's might be my choice of firms to do the refinishing. I understand they can even recut the rollmarks and logos. I think Ford's went through a bad spell a few years back, but are back on track now. Wouldn't hurt to give them a call and talk about it.

I'm glad you got your dad's gun back. Keep us posted on your course of action.