Muzzle Left,,Muzzle Right
The term tells the engraver which edge(s) of the part being engraved are the top and which are the bottom of the game scene.
It has nothing to do with the pose the figures are in nor the direction they face.
The term relates to lengthwise scenes on either the top or the bottom surfaces of the gun,,not the sides.
Muzzle Left is the most common for a lengthwise scene on a rifle floorplate as it puts the scene in proper position (not upside-down) when a right-handed person is viewing the rifle.
One of the 'old' rules of engraving layout. Much of that has changed and you will find both methods used now.
The pics posted above from Prudhomme's book show the discarded floor plate. It is cut 'muzzle right'.
It is unfinished except for approx 50% of the scene. The scroll and some of the scene are still just in transfer markings.
