I would certainly be interested to know what is under that. But why it has three screws. Maybe nothing but whenever knows until one looks. Very cool stock and I love the in letting carving. It looks so much more personal than something that was machined out with a mill. It is very easy to imagine maker working with his carving tools that left those unique marks.
FWIW, I never actually handled a Niedner or paid much attention, but I have read enough to know that a lot of people are interested. I will have to say that, while all you say is true, I was shocked by these pictures. I never realized that was part of his method. From my perspective as someone who has owned a lot of custom guns of that period, worked on them and done quite a bit of stock work, that wouldn't be my take on the workmanship of a stock maker.
