Reesq,
I had one in my hands a few weeks ago that appeared to have had a malfunction during the checkering and then it was 'gone over again' on the forend. The result was a very deep, black pattern that had no diamonds or disfigured diamonds within a deep recess the shape of a checkering pattern. The only way to recut it would be to refit the metal eschutcheon deeper, refinish the forend and recut the checkering.

The engraving was obviously buffed over.

I'm cancelling my order this week.