If you own it, you can pound it flat and use it for fishing lures if you like. Whether it's right or wrong is kind of a strawman - it's yours, do what you wish with it.

Your question is a good one, and comes up in all hobby/collectable arenas. Should I hot-rod the Chevy Nomad? Should I sporterize the Springfield 1903? It comes down to how you, the owner, derives value from the object. In terms of resale? In terms of a place in your collection? In terms of an "un-messed with" original?

Also - is what you have truly a rare highly sought after and prized example, or just another example out of countless others like it?

Personally, I go both ways. I generally won't strip something that is substantially original and functioning, but I have ripped apart one bike to get several working and out the door. Realize, though, that I've yet to find anything truly special. Were I to stumble a nice top end or collectible bike, the decision would hinge on the condition and how much effort/expense it would take to salvage it.

John D.