My opinion is that if the box was worth stripping, refinishing and refurbing.. Mouton would do it given any parts he used would be at wholesale not retail
and of course, he has far more experience and skill than most of us.

It's worth $200 for the reeds.

Hey, Jeff...my opinion is that Greg probably was selling the box for someone he is building one for. I bet he has enough business of his own, than to be refurb-ing some other unknown builder's box.

Just my opinion...
cb

Could be...

but the value of the box and the return on investment might be greater with a refurb.

It is also possible that Greg's opinion is that it is not worth doing

All speculation of course.

What is not speculation is that is one ugly baby

A refurb on an unmarked, unknown Bb box would be a waste of time (aka money) if I were a builder of my own line of accordions! Now if it was a "C" Dave could be playing the thing this week-end! (with or without the repaint job)

And let us remember that beauty is only varnish deep! It may play and sound fantastic! (still a tough key to play and learn in at any local jams)
cb