500 Nitro

I think you are spot on in that they are trying to hide engraving that would not justify the price by enhancing the engraving past seeing the detail.

I do disagree on the quality of the inlay. I don't think any of the animals are particularly well done. If you can't do all of the animal well than you should not try and do any of it. I refer to the eyes in particular and the general look of the animals in general.

As for having a plain rifle engraved to make it more valuable I see nothing wrong. I do believe that engraving should be in the style of the period but changing it's design and adding some bling can make for a nice looking and higher priced rifle. Doing it poorly, as I believe this to be, detracts from the value as well.