To illustrate what I am speaking of...

See below photo. Tip on left is from a V grade. Right is from a graded gun. Note the “schnable” on the tip of it. Or whatever you prefer to call it.

The lower tip is from a later graded gun where they did away with the “schnable” all together.

Attachment 67687

Dean:
It's only for looks. Many British guns had horn tips, but this is the only schnabel type I've ever encountered. And from a bloke named "Jones" at that!

I think the schnabel ends are two fold looks and functional ergonomics for some. Rightly or wrongly that end does invite you to extend your hand towards it. For some it is benefit for others an ornament.

My custom DeHaan .410, and my custom Sterly 30” 16. I had Mark use Bill Hanus “birdgun” dimensions with 14 7/8ths LOP to a SSBP. I liked the .410 so much, that I sent the Fox to Mark DeHaan to send to Turkey and have his guys stock tha Fox the same. Only difference is that we used a thin leather covered BP on that gun as the blank I sent was 1/4” too short to make the SSBP work.

Both guns have very slight beaver tails, and the schnabel treatment on the toe.

Its different I know, but it grew on me.

Have to think they made these in bulk and they were finished based on the grade of the gun they were being used for so was the “lip” on the metal actually dependent on the grade or the fellow who engraved and finished the gun?

The grade. It was present on ALL grades above VH until it was completely done away with in the 1920s