I recently received a Savage Model 99 in .250-3000 (aka .250 Savage). The overall condition is good mechanically, but the finish is just ok. Most of the bluing is more of an aged patina now. Sadly, early in its life an owner electro-penciled/engraved his initials on the stock along with 1936 (assuming the year it was acquired.) I know this was a thing a lot of guys did back in the day (my grandfather effectively ruined any value that was in a Belgian Browning Sweet 16 (with factory engraving by electro-pencil'ing his SSN on the middle of the receiver and barrel.)
My question is how badly this affects the value? I don't intend on keeping it, but I am weighing do I either spend upwards of $100 to replace the stock (which also may negatively affect the value) and just include the original stock in with it in the hopes of getting more out of it, or leave it as is and hope someone would appreciate the 'history' this rifle has embedded in it? Or do I try to steam/sand the initials out of it and then refinish it myself? In doing so does that ruin it?