Mickey and EricD,

Ditto, ditto, ditto on the false sideplates for the very reasons you have said.

A well-made boxlock is a thing of beauty for what it is. Why make it look like something it's not?

All my opinion. Obviously some people think differently, and I respect their right to see beauty in other forms from my taste. That's the fun of it all. And to conclude my remarks, I want to emphasize to rrell that his choice should be based on his concept of beauty. The false sideplates are strictly cosmetic, after all. If you like them, go for them. I have seen people spend gobs of $$$ to custom fit them on Ruger #1's.

Regards,
CptCurl

I just had a thought after posting, so these comments are added by way of edit.

The classic SxS boxlock, which has now become the standard of the world, was perfected by Anson and Deeley while in the employ of Westley Richards. I don't think I have ever seen a Westley Richards boxlock, whether rifle or shotgun, that had false sideplates.

Curl

Second edit:

And by the way, If you have doubts about the beauty of a best quality boxlock, just look at the backdrop picture for this forum - a Westley Richards, if I'm not mistaken, and a real beauty!

Curl