For stain, the lighter stain on the brandy would definitely be period appropriate (not the high contrast, but the color).
I totally disagree about the silver band, though. Some of the classic lines of that period actually call for a silver band -- it's just part of the aesthetic. Silver was practically de rigueur at one point. Yes, the band would disrupt the flow from shank to stem (how could it not?), but that's only a bad thing if you've decided, a priori, you don't like silver bands. I think you will have a more modern looking pipe with no band, but if you're interested in a modern, superbly made pipe with an antique look, give the silver band a second thought.
As for distracting from the grain, if you think of S. Bang pipes, many of them have silver, and I've never thought they distracted from the grain.
Bottom line, it's really a matter of personal preference, but I for one don't agree that "no band" is inherently more aesthetically pleasing. Putting my money where my mouth is, whenever I look for pipes from this period, I specifically look for ones with silver and am far less drawn to those without. Both of my antique pipes have silver and I wouldn't have them any other way.
In any case, Parks will make you a wonderful pipe and I can't wait to see what he comes up with.
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