Restoration question

[Shreckmeister]

Could this hinge be made to look right again while retaining the original PB lid?





calculus symbols and what they mean

[rich pierce]

Looks like new rivets were needed at some point. I don’t think it would be easy to match patination. So the whole box might need to be treated after fixing it if you decided to go that way.

[120RIR]

Absolutely it could be restored.  However, and this is just my opinion of course, this repair is clearly quite old and has a certain character to it.  Yes, what constitutes "character" can be open to significant interpretation and disagreement but as someone who is in favor of conservative and quality restoration work, I'd say leave this one alone. 

[Jennison]

From what little I can see, that engraving looks like Worcester County, MA.  Is that a Massachusetts rifle? 

[Shreckmeister]

Thanks for the feedback.  I can't speak to the age of the existing repair.  It's a Silas Allen rifle.  Maybe I should leave it alone.

[jdm]

Rob, If it was mine I would leave it alone.  I don't think it's a deal breaker.

[JTR]

I'd leave it.
Someone went to enough trouble to keep it with the gun, so why change it?

[mr. no gold]

Rob, add my voice to the chorus above supporting keeping the gun as it is. This is similar to a rifle having a wire wrapped broken wrist or one that has a metal support. The general feeling is 'Don't fix it!' It is far better off being left as is. It adds character.
Dick

[Bill Paton]

Hi Rob,
Add a vote from Alaska to keep that interesting repair in place. Looks to me like a legitimate in-use repair and a good addition to a good gun’s history.
Maybe I’ll get to see it next time I’m in Kittanning.

Bill Paton

[JV Puleo]

I also would leave it alone. It's obviously an old repair. I have a nearly identical box on a Mason rifle.

[WESTbury]

I think it adds some character and demonstrates that it may have been used by an active shooter or hunter.

Flint or percussion?