They're worth less if they're refinished but if your just keeping it for a shooter go ahead and do what you like with it.
Savages are based on condition, they haven't met the Winchester collectibility yet, even the old rat winchesters sell for big bucks for the right model but Savage only sells high on condition, based on the sound of the cond on the 1899 it'll sell for around $300 give or take. Has it been D&T'd or anything else done to it aftermarket?
It's most likely an 1899H, they're the most common model. If you've got a serial number range and a barrel length I can dial it down closer. Is it a take down model?
Can you get me pics?