cut the screw.Removed the apparently-nonperiod dragon sideplate from my trade-gun, and replaced it with leather "washers" i made by hand.
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The top lockscrew must be longer than the left one, because I had to stick two additional (albeit thinner) leather "washers" under the head *and* file the screw down some in order to prevent it from sticking too far through the lockplate. In spite of that, I think I marked the face of the **** when the screw was too long, and I ordered a new **** regardless.
Spare parts are always good to have on hand
NW