I got a progress report from Geoffroy, today:


The original 60s vintage plastic buttplate I hoped to use had internal cracks that became apparent when it was warmed up to be fitted. My options were horn, ebony, walnut or a pad, pretty much what was available at the factory, back in the day, although rosewood was an option back then too. I went with checkered ebony. Geoffroy will retouch the engraving on the screws before he sends it back.

This is the fitting for the sling, fitted up in the stock. The screw has to be contoured, timed, and then it has to be hardened, and tempered to a straw color. The stock was not refinished:



Side view of the ebony. The stock was not cut:



I expect it in a week or two. Looks good, from here.

Best,
Ted