Here's the answer.
Artificial striping was pretty common on Lancaster rifles circa 1840-50 ish. After basic staining, the strips were applied with an indelible black ink. A brush was used that appplied several srtips at a time by removing intermitant bristles from a brush. The lines are a little fuzzy as the ink sinks into the wood. See this on some Lemans, Dreppards, ect. Then the finish is applied.
Artificial striping was also used on some Lehigh Valley rifles. The difference seems to be that the stock was sealed first. The ink line was then very distinct at the borders. More artificial looking. But this wasn't an attempt at fooling anyone in the first place. Just a method of decorating at the time. Then varnish was applied over that. IMHO, but I'm pretty sure I'm right.