the plates were put on the gun after the stock cracked to prevent futher damage. if you were to far away from the factory to have it fixed at once.

the condition of the rest of the stock means very little, as only 3 weeks ago i and another member here were examining a really nice purdey with only one flaw. The stock were broken completly through the hand and the stock were in perfect condition apart from that.

i have seen quite a few repairs made with copper plate and screws that would make any self respecting gunmaker cry with agony, but that were done alot on safaris if the crack occured.

usually they got a restock when they came home.

peter