These kinds of pieces to be are incredibly and ruggedly charming, and for me the closest they than be kept to their 'in situ' condition, the better they reflect the history they have seen. I always believe in minimal control of any existing corrosion, with as much patination left as possible. With acid etching, it is often a fragile advance indeed.
That sunburst or starburst or whatever on the trigger guard is very similar to same seen on considerable material culture and weaponry in Mexico, and reflects the Peninsular heritage of these people. Some of my favorite arms are those of 19th c. Mexico and earlier in the colonial Spanish periods. While this is of course a Spanish made weapon, it certainly reflects the many examples which came to Mexico with industrious Spanish families seeking prosperity in Mexico.
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