[QUOTE=figheadair;907327]Here are some pics. No evidence of there ever being silver plating.

This is a truly useful, and substantial offering, for which you are due many thanks. It settles a question I've had for a while now: that style of ornamentation, quite common once, was constructed, not cast. It is obvious here in the different colors of metal between the engraved cantle and the round blobs. It also shows more detail on the catch, which is nice. Perhaps not so different to make after all.