Some TLC For a Mistreated Early 1900's Crandall

[herbva]

I recently fished this poorly treated Crandall jack off the bay, and am thrilled to have it. The first 2 poor quality pics are "borrowed" from the auction. (Once again, I was so excited that I forgot to take pictures before I got started on this knife.) As you can see, among other things, a previous owner filled in some fairly large missing chunks of bone on the pile side with lead, and someone cut 4 fairly deep grooves in the shield. If I can ever find some pieces of bone that match the mark side I may be tempted to replace my poor patching job on the pile side with a new piece of bone. But, I would like to hear opinions on whether I should just leave this poor old dog alone. FYI, the last picture is from the page on Crandall knives in Tom McCandless's great book on old Case knives.

[Reverand]

Great job!
Personally I would keep your patch, unless I just happened to stumble upon a perfect pile side bone for cheap. If you hadn't put "Before" pictures, I would not have noticed it in the photographs at all.

[doglegg]

Typically good job Herb. I always enjoy your work.

[Dan In MI]

No matter how much I enlarged the photo, I couldn't detect the patch job. I'd be more than happy with it as it is. Fantastic work, as always!

[edge213]

No matter how much I enlarged the photo, I couldn't detect the patch job. I'd be more than happy with it as it is. Fantastic work, as always!

Seriously?
The patch is very good, but also easily seen.

It's good enough that I would leave it.

[Dan In MI]

Seriously?
The patch is very good, but also easily seen.

I was only looking at one photo. Viewed straight on, it's much more apparent.