If the crack at the apex of the right lockplate extends to the butt, repair (and there are some genuine magicians) will be...uh...complicated.
At some point did someone put varnish on the lockplates?
Assuming attached pic shows the crack you identified, would say no it does not extend to the butt. Measures 7/8" length.
Unfortunately, can't answer Q's about history. Belonged to my grandfather, and sat in my father's gun rack w/4 other guns. Don't recall him ever shooting the shotguns.
As noted in OP- grandfather passed before I was born, father passed 20yr ago. My father never discussed details/history on the guns with me. He took me out a couple times to shoot an old .22 in the rack as a kid -that was the extent of the sport in my upbringing.
No reverence for the guns was passed on -that's the main reason why no attachment and want to finally pass them on to someone who appreciates them.
https://imgur.com/SsDbPA0
