I had posted this under the heading "Tennessee Sideplate" and only three folks read it as the subject had been already pretty much worn out. I do realize that my work pales when compared to most that are shown on this site, however, perhaps some other amateurs will be heartened by what a person utterly without talent can do by sheer persistence. (apologies to the three folks who read this under the previous post.)
This shape was arrived at by assuming that the old Tennessee mountain gunsmith, or his customer, may have seen a Pennsylvania rifle and tried to copy the sideplate by memory. I have done more beveling since I took the pictures and it looks better. The sideplate is inletted 2/3 rds. of total plate thickness.
Both tang bolts are tapped through the trigger plate. Two lock bolts go through the sideplate. The Davis front trigger has been straightened; and a trigger mainspring stop bolt (4-40 from a Sharps rifle trigger adjusting screw) installed so the lock and trigger work properly together. (The lock can be cocked with the trigger unset.) Because of the way the lock panel had been shaped by the barrel inletter, the lock is canted slightly and this made the distance between the triggerplate and sear bar very tight.
Given the work already done, I do appreciate constructive comments.
