I guess it was just a half attempt at staining them. They weren't completely plain but you can tell right off that they were repros. I think a little distressing will go a long way toward realism. These had hard edges and were basically one shade. Real antlers have areas that show lighter from being rubbed and little (sometimes not so little) chips and breaks, scratches, dried bark or crusty old velvet in the burrs. I love a rack with polished white tips, I arrowed one so many years ago. I would think that rubbing the burr tips and point tips somewhat with steel wool to show lighter after staining would be cool. The outsideedge of the main beam usually shows some abuse also.Just my observations, mind you. I've never done it myself. Good luck.