Regarding the staking, and if I am researching correctly, it is probable that this gun never returned to the armory after the Holland and Holland alterations to receive the staking per the 1946 order? Or, perhaps did return but missed the application?

My '33 Enfield Trials Rifle also has no staking.

Now, some questions and seeking the brutally honest feedback. To preface, I am a collector of artifacts. I assume that the parts (bruises, scratches, grime) which accompany a specimen are present for the reason that they left service in that condition. I rarely even clean a gun beyond a cursory wipe down, light oil if needed, and only affect repairs if I plan on shooting. I have a climate controlled vault, so even light corrosion can be preserved without disturbing history....

... but if I look at my Savage sniper and see that the only glaring deficits are the non-Savage rear band and handguard, would the gun have left Holland and Holland with those parts attached? Could it have had alternate repair at another armory to replace those parts? Would it be sacrilege to swap them out?

A new rear handguard would not have the original penciled serial, and I would not introduce one.

I don't need to look very far for the needed furniture items. They are resting on the rack, right beside my Savage, and on my '33 Trials rifle.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=53917&