Looking closely at the criss-cross diagonals on the receiver ring, I think that was part of the original engraving. The lines of the large X seem to be the base for the small somewhat triangular stippled areas. In other words, the criss-cross lines appear to have been there before those stippled areas were applied. Even the center punch dot at the center of the X may be part of the original engraving, because there are numerous other punch dots at the front and rear of the receiver ring. If that punch mark was supposed to be a center point for laying out a center line for the scope base screw holes, whoever did it didn't come close. But I believe the intent was decorative. After seeing some recent jobs in the main forum where screw holes in shotgun ribs were plugged and then engraved to match the rib matting, I agree with what Terry said about plugging and engraving.
