Pinkchick is correct, there is NO standard in having speckled or plain. As long it is in terra cotta hue, depending on how LIGHT or how DARK the egg is, would be acceptable. You do not want it too light that it would not be of "dark egg layer" nor too dark that it resembles too much like the Marans egg. People HAVE been crossing their Welsummers over Marans to get the dark shade which I do not like and would frown on that if they are trying to pass the offsprings as Welsummers, when they are really crossbreeds. It would have been absolutely fine if one wants to breed them for egg layers only.
Whether the surface is shiney or matte finished, it does not matter however in the UK, the matte is preferred. I like them both!
As for me, I'm the odd lady out, I prefer the "smooth" look than the speckles. The "wild" speckles, the oddly splashed paint appearance is a neat thing! Those are fun for Easter Egg color dye projects LOL!
If anyone wants to ship a couple of dud eggs, I would appreciate it! NO, I will NOT incubate them. Its too cold out, dont want the mess in the basement, no broody moms and don't want higher electric bill for the brooder light. I'm happy with THAT!
Sure I miss those fuzzy butts!
Once I gather up all the dud eggs, I will line them up in carton according to shades and if there are anything that looks rejectable because it is too light or too dark, I will put them in the DQ list. I've got to do a bunch of research.