Mr. Mann is right. Doing this correctly requires making them from scratch and fitting to each individual stock. I use nickel silver and 10k gold mostly. I usually use 16 - 18 gauge thickness. Each shield or oval is cut from sheet stock, shaped, drafted and bent to match the curve of the stock before inletting.
Trying to remove and reuse original shields/ovals is an exercise in frustration because the very nature of their installation often leaves them thin after the stock is finished. Pulling one without ruining it is difficult and then it most likely won't fit the curvature of the stock you are working on.
Best, Dan
