From a player's perspective, put geared tuners on it and make it easier to play, no matter the condition of your hands. There are some very nice looking ones available that don't unduly muck up the appearance of instruments.

From a lover of old instruments standpoint, leave it alone and get another one with geared tuners to play on, if someone else is going to play it as is. I'd prefer to see an altered instrument than an instrument hanging on the wall.