I think it has more to do with the engraver and what was his 'fancy' when engraving a particular gun. "Hmm... shall I do pheasants today, or sharptails (just so people will argue over them someday) or maybe prarie chickens? I know, I'll engrave very fat-looking ducks that don't really look like ducks at all... more like turnips with wings!"
As long as they stayed within the parameters for the grade, e.g., the number of birds on the floor plate - a variation from that theme would likely have been a special order.
I think these are turnips, don't you?
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"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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