Brilliant gunmaker! The "buttplate" was a small oval disc expertly matched into the checkered butt. Only when it caught the light just right did the oval outline show up (it’s much clearer now it has been removed and replaced). The only thing showing were two screw heads which I assumed were part of a “rough” stock reduction and then replacement done probably a 100 years ago. I’m getting the stock refinished to remove the obvious joint. Thanks again for everyone that tried to help and gunmaker for his expertise.
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