I picked up a pre-World War 1 Oberndorf Type B in 8x57 recently (photo links below), which would be a very nice piece if not for the recoil pad which looks like a fairly recent addition. I could use some advice on a couple of matters....

Do the scope mount bases look factory original and are rings for these mounts available?

What would you you do about the recoil pad? It looks like the stock has been cut, so adding a reproduction Mauser buttplate is probably not an option. How about replacing the ventilated pad with a thinner Silvers type sculpted pad, or a leather covered Purdey style pad? The rifle is in great shape with a perfect bore and is probably as nice as anything I have - hate to leave that ghastly ventilated pad on it.

many thanks

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http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss275/netcurrentassetvalue/IMG_2361.jpg