[Tom2]

I hope it was deer blood and not a battlefield pickup from some feud! As for the restoration, if it were an old west Winchester it might be something you would leave alone, unless you could find a correct buttplate in similiar condition. Being that it is just a prewar Marlin common type, I don't see any harm in doing anything you want to make it look better or restore it. Looking better is the key, not looking like a patchup or bubba job would add value to it, and ownership enjoyment, I would think. I think you can get replacement wood for those, too. If just the buttstock, then you have the issue of matching it to the handguard. Otherwise, if you tap it for a scope, I think that would be the least desireable mod from a resale standpoint, but suppose you could find a period scope and mount? Then you might be able to keep it seemingly kosher to someone else who might want to buy it.