Greetings Paul - I had a 16 gauge Ideal grade restored several years ago and empathasize with the cost. But when I saw it for the first time after restoration it was money well spent. I did go with English walnut and opted for a few subtle upgrades. I went with 24 LPI diamond checkering and the gunsmith who restocked it added nice little fleur de lis' on the flats on either side of the stock. He was even able to salvage the little triangular piece of ebony on the forend which was also checkered at 24 LPI. I (like you) would prefer to go original. But there is nothing wrong with a resto-mod if done tastefully and does not detract from the aesthetics of the shotgun. I also believe that any money spent on an L.C. is well spent. After all they are engineering and artistic masterpieces and they are not making any more. Best of luck and kudos for opting to restore. One last thing, put her to work after she comes home. Don't lock her away in the safe taking her out on those special occasions. I gave mine to my middle son who uses her to hunt pheasants in Nebraska. Even more exciting than seeing her for the first time was seeing my son drop a Nebraska ringneck over a pointing German shorthair. John from Omaha