Ugly duckling or swan?

[Marcus]

Just wondering about that black paint......is it "Bubba's" work, or could this be something done while it was in service? I've seen a lot of Brit gun like Lee-Enfields and Enfield/Webley revolvers that received a protective coat of black paint while they were still military issue.

Did NZ or other Commonwealth forces ever use M1 carbines? Obviously with mixed parts and refurb/overhaul cartouches this wouldn't be something supplied during WW2, but what about the post-war, or Korea to Viet Nam periods?

A lot of the Mausers that were imported from Spain in the 1950's to early 1960's period were also given arsenal black paint jobs.

[Barryeye]

Good point Marcus. New Zealand did use some M1 Carbines in Korea and Malaya. The paint job is badly worn and looks unsightly. I could never restore it to a painted finish.
Guamsst I fully agree with your “Restore to a condition they never were” comment. Changing one Frankenstein into another does not appeal to me.