Gun finish, Beauty and its importance to you?

So I see many post about how older guns finish was better and more beautiful. Especially in reference to rust blued guns. That new guns lack the fine finish of the old handcrafted guns. I have seen and held, even own a small number of those older guns and for the sake of this discussion I agree many of the older guns had a better finish. Certainly there were cheap guns "back-then" that did not have a good finish. Conversely you can still also find some new guns in the current market with that "old-time" finish if you're willing to pay. But yes the average quality/beauty of gun finish has decreased in recent years.

What I want to ask it how important is that "fine" finish to you?

Do you only buy old or more expensive guns that have that "old-time" finish? Do you buy modern guns as the modern design elements are more important than the beautiful finish? I would guess most of us mix that with some old-time fine finish guns and some guns with cheaper finishes (even if the gun is not cheap) because of the function. I am sure some of that mix also depends on the intended use for the gun. Collectors I suspect value the finish in general more than someone buying a gun to be used as a tool.

So how much does the beauty of the finish matter to you and when?

I have to say that I am a bit surprised by the posts so far. I expected a bit more posts leaning towards the finish/beauty being more important.

I agree with the general sentiment that a pretty gun is nice but I won't pay extra for it. I have one safe queen but all the rest are shooters.

Case in point I own six S&W revolvers and all but one was purchased used. Not because I am against the internal lock (it sucks but I will and do own one) or MIM parts ( I actually prefer MIM internals) but because for the price I get a good revolver that already has the pristine finish worn off. All of those revolvers are either carry, hunting, or competition guns. They get shot and carried all the time. Revolver shooters/collectors seem most obsessed with the old guns having the super nice finishes in my experience.

My guns, my tools, my vehicles, all show wear, honest wear. They are well cared for but at the same time they are well used. I don't clean my guns after every trip to the range but they always run, as they are well inspected and maintained. My favorite ax is marked from use and might have a touch of rust on it, the handle is dirty but the edge is sharpened frequently since its used frequently. My truck, I don't wax and polish it. It is more likely to be muddy than clean but you won't find trash in it (cab or bed) and it get regular oil changes, and all the other maintenance it requires.

Nothing's better than a tool that is ugly from honest wear, it stands tribute to the success and trials its user(s) have overcome.