This is a big THANKS to everyone who's posted anything about restoration.
I snagged a Wade & Butcher 7/8 on ebay for $6.50 a few weeks ago. I was a little doubtful when I first got it, but all the great info here encouraged me to give it a go. LOTS of hand sanding, a fair bit of buffing and a little bit of Dremel work (and an uplifting "Will all that make it shave better?" from my wife) and I called it good. It still needs honing so I haven't tried it yet - hopefully I'll get to that this weekend. It's not perfect, but I've gotten great satisfaction out of prettyin' it up.
Here are some (crappy camera phone) before and afters: http://www.flickr.com/photos/clrobert60

Now where'd I put that stained-up Red Injun?