Well, it clearly is not the fault of poor original build as this is a mid-1920s Holland & Holland Royal. The mess we see is no doubt a combination of poor care during its life and then hamfisted efforts to clean up the results of neglect. Proof that even the finest of steeds can be ridden too hard and put away wet too often. My friend just passed when he found evidence of some glossed over refinish on the exterior. Too bad, and a poor end to a fine rifle. Thanks to all of you for your online diagnosis of this issue. Dave