Actually Lead, here's exactly what you should do...
Put it in a nice padded box, put my name on the the box and send it to me. <!--emo&

--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'><!--endemo--> My eyes aren't that sharp anymore either, but they sure can spot a sweet rifle.
The marbles tang might be a good option, it would definitely fit the look of the period. A couple of folks have said that they get in the way of your grip though, so you might have to relearn how to shoot it. Any idea when your rifle was made? I'd hang on to it, for sure, and see if I couldn't find a different sighting system that works for you besides the scope.