| >>I wonder how you can tell that it has never been replated. Is it possible that the "replating" (if any such was ever done), maybe wasn't of as high a quality as the original and it too has worn away giving the appearance that it might have been "original"? Usually, worn stamps or engraving is, as you allude, indicative of overbuffing.
I suppose that could be, but the rest of the finish really does appear to be original and all the finish matches. The part of the bell where the stamp is missing doesn't look worn, it really looks like it was never stamped--perfectly smooth. The last owner bought it from the original owner and has said that it has never been replated--whether he's right I can't be sure, but I did find him to be well informed. Unfortunately I can't contact him now to see if he knows anymore!
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