for the foreend - in grading wood, only a little curl doesn't generally count for much, as in black walnut, it would not have gone on a gun above G unless I am mistaken (as I often am).
i agree the knot is strange to has passed muster, although i have also seen it on Fox Sterlingworths a couple time.
just thoughts, knowing how figure can appear in plain wood and disappear in figured wood as the shaping is done, maybe both of these spots where a surprise discovered after the wood was shaped. I once bought a modestly figured piece of maple for a longrifle, (actually the one I posted pictures of on this board once) when the stock was completely shaped the wood was outstanding, never knew it from the outside.
also - on the knot - drying out through the many years may have made waht seemed like a minor flaw look much worse.
just thoughts
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"If there is a heaven it must have thinning aspen gold, and flighting woodcock, and a bird dog" GBE
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