Hey Ed, I showed my wife the tang carving photo, and without missing a beat says, "That's fantastic. It must be Ed's." I'd say you have your own signature style going now. :-)
I see what looks like a pin at the rear comb. Is that to hold the buttplate return? Interesting feature.
I really like this rifle, but I must say, you really scrimped and installed one DULL flint. ;-)
The "shell" carving behind the cheek is fascinating. I don't recall seeing anything like it, and I really like the composition and execution. Recently you were mentioning stabbing around the edge to make the carving pop. You REALLY got this new work to pop. Pretty sensational.
I like the "beads" going around the breech. I also appreciate the cross at the back of the tang. Neat work.
I agree with you on the patchbox. I can just imagine your shell carving on a wooden lid. The buyer dictates here though.
I think the buyer needs a horn with some long, undecipherable German words on it. :-)
He also needs to call and order a fancy bag from James Rogers.
Great job as usual. God Bless, Marc