Most American built Kentucky and Pennsylvania style rifles were built with maple stocks, the fancy rifles had stocks of Birdseye maple. You must recall from your history books, these are the rifles that were used to defeat the British in the War of 1812? Maple is light and dense. Much harder than walnut, not prone to splitting, warping or dents. Perhaps Mr. Lott was using the tradition wood of America in his American .450 Lott.