Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions.
This is my fourth rifle but first with such a complicated patch box. I think I got a
little cocky and overestimated my abilities.
This is a copy of a box by Nathan Clause on a rifle on display at the Frazier Museum in Louisville (picture
attached).
The box and nearly all the furniture are attached by small brass or silver nails so
I don't see a reasonable way to use screws to form the box to the stock.
Mike - I sure did make it difficult by engraving before inletting.
Never again !! Unfortunately, the "doodad" at the end has to stay.
Mark & Mitch - Thanks for pointing out the need for the form to have a greater curve
than the stock. I had overlooked that.
I think I will go ahead and give the bondo a try.
All the best
Paul