Hi Gents,
With all you guys rooting for me, I jumped right in (after dinner, Mick), then after braekfast. I took a break and had lunch. Then I proceeded to ponder the situation and took some serious steps. I decided to build a mock all brass model - not only because I felt insecure about cutting into the silver nor because I was afraid to mess up the silver, but also because I thought that a little practice on less valuable metal would do me good. Had good results, after dinner I might just jump right in and cut the silver sole. Or I might just wait a while to cut the silver.
This is where I am so far.
Ralph

My wife always makes me wash my hands before taking pictures, but she's not here now, sssooo I didn't. Probably will have to before dinner this time.

The side and sole really are dovetailed, but it peened so perfectly well and buffed out so nicely that the zig zag detail lines disappeared, so I highlighted some in pencil. Can'y wait to see the silver / brass contrast on a buffed and polished version.

Had to try the wood work also. Wanted Ebony, but don't have any so went with African Blackwood. That stuff cuts hard and carves beautifully. Ralph