Terry & Mark, The forend is just like in the one in the picture and no evidence that anything was modified. Not only odd but ugly as well. I have the proper blocks and a Lyman 48 base that looks like it will need to be milled flat on the side to fit. I think your right Mark I can't find any early Lyman 48's from 1925 that have a flat side.
The through bolt and the top tang are now straightened time to pull up the wood and see what's next. Back to work!
Terry I remember one with I thought was a Rodgers stock is that the one?
