This example of the empire grade is indeed plain, but not unattractive and head and shoulders above any maker's lowest grade I've seen as far as balance and handling. In fact its hard to believe it's nearly eight pounds of doublegun in your hands.

This one has issues and is going back, a shame because the stock dimensions are perfect and it handles well (for me) to boot.

The search continues, but I'm not ruling out an Empire for my duckboat gun.