my new old katar!

[David]

Would it be a good idea to "restore it" or leave it rusty?[/QUOTE]
I think these are 2 different questions. I personally don't think it is ever a good idea to leave something rusty as the rust will just continue to eat away at the iron. Restoration usually involves a bit more than mere rust removal though.

Originally Posted by KuKulzA28

Perhaps if I decide it should be "restored" I'd ask a master to add koftgari after it's cleaned... making a prince out of a pauper... but that would be too hasty, I'd like to learn more about this guy first. It could possibly be a well-made fake antique or just a rusty old "commoner" piece, but I'm pretty excited nonetheless... one of the first "antiques" I've ever had.

Well i doubt it's a fake. There's not much of a mark up to be made making a fake katar of this type. It's just not rare enough to command the money a forger would need to make it worth his while.
Personally i would not add koftgari to a piece that never had any. Seems somehow dishonest to the katar.