Drew's supposition that the gun may be stolen is sort of a downer, but not out of the realm of possibility. Many of us take the for-end off our nicest guns and store them securely somewhere else to discourage theft. Mine are in a safety deposit box at the bank.

Be a shame to spend big money on a new fore-end and then suffer a claim. Good faith would be shown by requesting a police department search of serial number records. Just my own opinion...Geo