My Kennedy butt stock has July 1837 Engraved on the total plate.
I would think the toe plate had many uses..tapping with foot sure why not...protects that piece of stock that chip easy. ...keep the stock together smacking one of Santa Anna's troops on the head coming over the wall Etc. I've allways do like you do a couple taps on the side and onto the ball.Because there is someone in every thread who only wants things done his way. All of us have that weakness. My particular hatred is those brass or iron 1990 era rings on shooting bag straps. Never seen on originals, unlike toe plates, but I digress.
Most of my shooters have toe plates to protect the wood. I still lift, tilt the rifle and give it a couple light slaps before loading the ball whether flint or percussion. Habit of 40+ years developed when I only owned a CVA MR. Made a difference, so kept doing it.
Here's a picture of the toe plate.View attachment 359259
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