For me it is no problem. I look at these guns for their historic value, not investment value although it might increase value to folks who do living history to make it more authentic for the period. Collector types would not be interested with it with a ground away crest or mum in any event. This Mauser was arsenal reconditioned for another era and after that got the stock butchered as a sporter. I can remember in the 70's no one would touch a refinished or reworked rifle....but now people have changed in their view. People restore cars and airplanes all the time with original style markings and paint and bring these vehicles back to close to their original state. The replica military gun market is now HUGE. A now true gun "restorers" get huge bucks for mint condition restorations (look at the work Turnbull does). Times have changed. Living history folks are not collectors in so much as guns they use in living history are not museum queens because they of course would not want to cause them wear and tear. However, they still want guns that look as close as possible to how they looked in reality. Mulsurps can be about collecting it is also can be about shooting, repairing, restoring, or just prettying up a gun. I want to put this crest on totally for my own purposes and enjoyment, not to fool anyone.