Looks like Vintage Industries was absorbed by another company, but the new company still offers injection molded Buttplates & Grips.
Here is the number 407 333 2350
As to the composition of early Buttplates & gripcaps, my guess would be that they were made out of Gutta percha. I know that the early Colt grips were made out of this material, as well as an early insulation for telegraph wires, golf balls, furniture, jewelry etc. A very popular hard rubber type product. One of the cool things about Gutta Percha is that if you gently heat it, it can be easily bent, great for fitting to curved buttstocks.
Mike Hunter
Hunter Restorations
