I think the point was that it was a $2500 shooter, and, as such, if it has been modified a bit over the years, that is not all that relevant. $2500 wouldn't be enough of a down payment to get that engraving started, today. Most guys could shoot that gun in a grouse woods, and not be terribly concerned if it came back with a mark in the stock.
The greater mystery, here, to me, is how many grouse a guy in Mississippi gets to shoot in a season!
Care to comment, John?

Best,
Ted