If you go online to Jack First Guns, you can order a repro rubber buttplate which is indistinguishable from the original. As far as refinishing goes, it's just about essential - the original was just varnish.
I would steel wool the remnants of old finish off, agonizing over what to do with the checkering. The best thing is just plainly to get it recut, but then of course, it isn't original. I prefer to use the FW's as they simply have never been surpassed. The finish? Have never seen anything better than Laurel Mtn Forge permalyn or the Plinkington equivalent. Use sealer to close the wood up, then the topcoat. Be sure the French Red is very dry before sealing.
Best of luck. Use your prize!
Labarr, actually according to R. Rule's book (p. 150-152), the finish throughout the production run of pre-64s was hand-sprayed lacquer with a carnuba additive. While I agree it looks and chips away just like varnish, the fact that it's lacquer accounts for it's sometimes tenaciousness when stripping it.
John
