mrcvs said
I’m fairly certain I’ve seen a floret motif on the stock or forearm of an early Winchester rifle, but I cannot recall when or where, and of it was used to disguise a repair.  This rifle has a floret on either side of the stock in the same location and I’m wondering if it’s being used to disguise a pin, especially since the description states this Model 1876 rifle has a crack at the wrist that has been repaired.

So, thoughts?  It seems unlikely to be a decorative element added at the time of manufacture.

https://live.amoskeagauction.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/87/lot/48341?url=%2Fm%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F87%3Fpage%3D6  

In addition to being a .50-95, this is a very interesting rifle with a lot going for it.  I really like the matted barrel and the damascus receiver is most intrigung.  I can’t detect any sort of crack on the left side near the floret motif.  I do see what I believe may be a crack on the left side in the checkering.  It meanders down from the rear tang screw and drifts slightly forward as it moves down.  I’ve not seen a motif like this before.  Well, not that I recall