Thanks fellas. The gun weighs 6.88 pounds on my fishing scale. The lock plate was cast with the engraving in it - remarkable detail that endured careful polishing. The forward part of the buttplate is secured with one hook, than after that proved insufficient, with a nail or 2 made from sheet brass. It’s no longer removable! The nosecap is a second try. Once I figured out it had to come off every time the barrel is removed, it became clear it had to sort of snap into place but also be free to snap back off, all the while staying tight against the barrel at the muzzle.
