Thanks for the insight Mike,Fletchpair

You are absolutely correct.I think the poor fitting fore-end must have had something to do with the break on this one, looks like the wood had shrunk quite a bit over the years, and no longer fit the contour of the barrels. this, combined with the loose fit between the F-E iron and the F-E loop allowed enough wobble on the knuckle to pinch and bend the end of the plate upon opening the gun.
I smoked the wood back on to the barrelsfortunately there was enough wood to do this, and welded up the iron, now that the F-E is properly fitted I think I have substantially reduced the chances of a reoccurrence.

Mike, I will build up the plate a bit more as you suggested and engrave to match.
The gun is a top lever non ejectorpatent # is on the picture

Thanks and all Best

CJ







The taste of poor quality lingers long after the cheap price is forgotten.........