Brian, Your concept of the framing sounds great. I hope you can post a picture of it when it is up and on the wall.
I am also glad that Art brought up the subject of not trying to make it look new. With something like this the patina is everything, It tells a story of true historic value.
In any case I hate to admit it but I am more taken with this piece then if you said your employee gave you a Big-Boy. It is really cool!