Signs of repairs, 1800's railroad padlocks

[cjlindem]

I've come across (on ebay) a number of antique brass railroad style padlocks with distinct scratches over the flush pins that hold the front of the case on. I'm guessing they are an effort to 'grind off' some unevenness created during a repair. But the scratches often look overly crude. See attached example picture.
Is this a known technique used during repairs, or is there another explanation?



On the topic of repairs in general - How much does does an obvious repair on an otherwise old and collectible lock affect its value?

Thanks,
Chris