New fixer-upper 1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine

[Aragorn243]

However, and I know that this is not going to be a popular statement but I have to say it. A careful cleaning with soap and water would have removed the dirt from the wood and that really was all it needed. The Citris Strip removed the original varnish and color/stain and that really affected the value of the piece. It caused the value to plunge from the $250 range down to the $160 that you paid for it, so, at least, you came out even. I'm sorry, I know you worked hard on it but.....

No problem, I prefer it cleaned and have no plans to re-sell it anytime soon. That being said, it sat unsold for quite a while in the condition it was in and I have little doubt I could easily get the original starting price for it now. Coloration for these is all over the place from light to dark and this rifle had no varnish on it to begin with, just oil and dirt (and spray paint).