oldelkhunter, I use to deal in antique hunting and fishing collectables and I still have some stuff, I can tell you that even if a piece is in bad shape it is still worth more than if it has been refinished, I would decide to either use it or hold on to it but leave it in its origional condition I personnaly wouldn't want anything to collect that had been tamered with. If it is a sought after piece than it's only worth the money you would expect from a collector. I am partial to old stuff I think it was made better looks better and it has history and to survive for so long in great condition means even more. Use it but don't alter it.