New fixer-upper 1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine

[gew8805]

You got a great deal at $160, the gun was easily worth the original asking price of $249, like all other military bolt action rifles, the Carcano is going up and up, and in that condition, 90% bluing and almost 100% original stock finish, you have a keeper. It even has the original cleaning rod in the buttstock, you almost never see that. Congratulations!

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.....