couple questions

[Kenny]

i am on my 2nd build, a fowler. it is based on british style fowlers from Grinsdales fowler  book.I've never had the opportunity to see or handle an original so must go on pictures.
Questions,
1- i made a serpent style side plate based on one i saw in grinsdales book and am wondering if these are always inlet or if some are just on the surface?
2- was there always a "bump" in the stock at the rear ram rod pipe? it seems from pictures some have it some don't.

  i sure appreciate this site and all of the experience represented. The willingness of experienced builders on here to unselfishly give their time to us "less knowledgable folks" is really a huge Help and I couldn't imagine trying to do this without it. Thanks to all!

Kenny

[E.vonAschwege]

Hey Kenny,
    Those sideplates are inlet - the flat ones are inlet flush, and the ones with raised detail are inlet to the edge of that detail (2/3rds the way?).  The bump was a carry over from English military arms.  Most the original English fowlers I've handled haven't had that swell, but there are several in the book that do - you wouldn't be wrong either way to do so.  Remember that the swell is very subtle - even on a Bess I have the stock only swells just shy of 1/16" on either side.
-Eric

 

[Kenny]

kinda thought that on the side plate, thanks Eric,
appreciate it.