Tale of the Gun

In the mid 1950's James Carroll Smith (my grandfather) worked for the Fort Worth, TX Parks Dept.
While doing tractor work in the river bottom near downtown, he came across a gunstock showing
at the base of a cottonwood tree in a hollow. After work he returned with a shovel and an ax and removed a 44-40 model 1873, a 22 singleshot and a double barrelled shotgun.
All of them were loaded and there was a canvas "purse" full of more ammo as well. He was able to clear all of them after much soaking, and they all functioned. As a boy I spent many evenings listening to the story and wondering where they came from. I was convinced there were outlaws involved! But no one will ever know. The 22 and shotgun have long since disappeared into the family but I have kept up with the Winchester.
An uncle bought it from my grandfather and his grandsons have been deer hunting with it in the Piney woods of East Texas for the last 30 years or so. I was able to visit this weekend and traded a pistol for it.
It is a 44-40 with full octagon barrel and was made in 1886 according to the serial number. I would still give a lot to know who it belonged to and why it was in the woods with a tree growing around it.
So what do the Misfits think I should do with it?
Hang it on the wall or see if Gary can restore it.