Vintage Humidor evaluation: Opinions wanted

[xrundog]

I picked up an old humi today. I can tell by the construction, lining(tin and glass) and hardware that it's old. But I've never seen one like this. I think the wood is walnut. But it has been machine grooved and then gouged across the grooves. I think the intent was to fake tiger oak or quarter sawn oak. If this was done recently, I'd be pissed. But it appears to have been done long ago. It SMELLS old. My question is:

Was this technique used in the old days by humidor companies to save money? Basic walnut being cheaper than fancy oak. Or is it just an older attempt at fakery?

I'm going to refurb and update it. But I'm curious. I'm interested in any opinions.