.... and why no checkering.
Checkering destroys the beauty of wood.
checkering seems to be used more to cover up bad wood than anything else.
if the wood is really nice, it needs nothing more than a good finish!
and besides, there is no need for checkering 'cept maybe on VERY large bore, hard recoiling rifles.
Good checkering adds to the beauty of a stock, and is functional as well, which us why they checker or otherwise texture synthetics. The finish on that stock didn't do anything for the looks; just highlighted the poor workmanship. If that stock is indeed the original with the checkering removed, it might have been badly damaged, in the field, or during refinishing. I think it's a poor restocking job, myself.
Never heard of checkering being used to cover bad wood. Inlays have been used to cover minor flaws, but are uncommon now.