I don't know much about such things but that first stock pictured is as pretty as any gun stock I've ever seen.

Knot + wood filler in my old 16ga Stevens 5100, in the wrist no less! I guess you can expect such in a Stevens, but after 60-70 years it's still in one piece so I can't complain...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps3355a3xo.jpg

PS - I would have sworn I posted this yesterday but it ain't there today. I guess the computer gremlins got me. If it shows up somewhere else, sorry!

Thanks Wayne. When I started the restoration process, that stock was black with oil, grime and discoloration. I did not even know the knot was there until it was stripped down.
From what I've seem so far, it looks like Parker used their knotty blanks only on their lowest grade guns, which makes sense. No one has posted a photo of a D grade with a big stock knot so far.
www.classiccasecolorsllc.com

16 ga. Trojan

I have seen some higher grade guns with some "blow-out patches" covering up defects in the wood. And some pretty burly areas.

1931 Model 21, 32" Vent Rib Trap

http://i.imgur.com/e7tOAVZ.jpg

what a lovely mod 21 stock!