Couple more thoughts? Is it purely a matter of line and decoration? Reminds of wrought iron work and tendrels on vines BUT I've noticed that it's pretty easy to wedge a cleaning rag right where the guard without a "curlicue" enters the mortise (try this on a Flusie or old Savage 23 to see what I mean). I know a member on this bd. welded the ittybit on a guard he fabricated. How was it done traditionally? A little "leaf" of steel laid on to the guard and forge-welded?

jack