I know the question I am about to ask is very subjective and without pictures anyone replying would have to make a SWAG but some good may come of the discussion so here goes.
I am considering acquiring a Pigeon Grade restored piece. It is 12ga, 26" barrels, ICxIC, single trigger, splinter forearm with ejectors, Nitro Steel barrels, and period correct pad on a pistol grip stock.
I know that there were not all that many Pigeon Grades manufactured so that alone makes this piece rather rare. My concern is that any rare piece, once restored looses its value as a collectable, regardless of the reputation and skill of the person doing the restoration, and the value of the restoration far exceeds its utalitarian value. In short, I see myself buying the piece for my own pleaseure and value it accordinly but eventual resale would probably not recoup my initial investment.
As you might expect the price is a bit more than a cup of coffee so I'm wondering if I should continue to persue the purchase or let it go.
I am not a collector of Smith's although I have several, all Field Grades, that I use and enjoy. This piece would be used but well taken care of as long as I owned it. This would definately be a step up for me.
My initial interest in the gun was its configuration not its "Grade". If I could find a filed grade with the same configuration I would be much happier.
The restoration was done by a reputable resoration gunsmith and the piece looks great.