The bore is actually pretty decent considering the exterior condition, it's a little dark with a few light pits, but the rifling is still sharp. Haven't run a brush or patches through it yet, but I expect good things for it. I'll run a few rounds through it soon to test accuracy, but I may end up recrowning the muzzle just to get rid of the dent whether it affects accuracy or not.
If I did go the route of getting a reproduction top handguard are there any tricks to getting the finish on the new one to match 100 year old oxidized linseed oil? I have a feeling it'll stick out like a sore thumb.
I have read that BLO darkens in sunlight, but it might take considerable sunbathing to catch up with the older stock!