Good question Tom and yes I did ask. The restoration was done by the museums staff that do restorations. As for restoration, when we are able to see the photos you will see that there wasn't much of a restoration done. The knife was basically cleaned and rust was removed. There wasn't anything done in regards to removing the pitting. By that I mean there was no grinding on the blade or polishing like might have been done had the knife been sent back to the Randall shop. At least that is the way it looks to me. Still it is a knife that I would truly like to see up close and personal.
I owned an early Mod. 17 once and like so many other Randall's I sold it to make way for something else. Man I wish I hadn't done that!
Anyway hopefully we can see some photos here tomorrow.
Thanks to all for the positive comments.....I do appreciate it.