Ok, I appreciate the quality of the engraving and workmanship etc. But am I the only one who does not like side plates - form should follow function. A Westly Richard Drop-lock or a Dickson Round Action is a thing of real beauty, and its elegance is in the shape of its action and locks.

A sidelock is a thing of beauty in its own right - but the locks and plates are there because thats the nature of the lock. Indeed I really like the Dominion back action - because the plate is the shape of the lock.

To my mind side plates are just some thing that is added for no real extra function. If you are going to spend huge amounts of money and want lots of engraving that can only be fitted on a sidelock, then get a sidelock and enjoy it for what it is.

But if you want a drop lock, or a trigger plate lock, then recognise it for what it is.