The barrel length is scarce, if original. How about some closeup shots of the front sight.

I agree with everyone above. There's only so many originals around. And hundreds of original guns are getting re-blued or "restored" everyday. Only for abused, or bubba'd guns, can I personnally accept rebuilding and refinishing.

It'll never be more original than it is right now. In 10-20 years that will determine it's highest potential value, not a refinish.

But on a fairly original like yours, not only value, also desirability (hence the effect on value) will decrease. Shoot it enjoy it and upgrade it with a nicer one when the opportunity comes along.

If I did anything to it, I would polish out the sanding marks and leave in the white, pits and all or minimally touch up the re-polished areas with Tru-blue or Oxpho blue.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819