Canadian 1895 Lee Metford Mk 1 Carbine

[Bluenoser]

I thought folks might like to see the newest member of the family. I stumbled across this last night and picked it up today. It’s still just the way I found it. The wood is in good clean condition. The metal has some surface rust, but I think it will clean up very well. The bore remains to be seen. It is very dirty but the rifling is very strong. In fact, it is probably the strongest metford rifling I have ever seen and I initially mistook it for enfield rifling.

It is an 1895 Lee Metford Mk 1 Carbine with the D-ring stud removed (presumably an arsenal modification.
All the numbers, bolt included, match with a 5xxx A number.
It has the correct 5-shot magazine with the loop for the keeper (terminology?).
On the heel of the buttplate are the broadarrow over WD, and a crown over “24”over “E”
On the rightside of the butt is M&D over 1895 over 177 which, for the time being, I am assuming is a rack number.
There are opposing broadarrows on the receiver ring and knoxform – which I understand signifies release from military stores.
The disc is stamped R.C.A. (Royal Canadian Artillery) and 8. Based on some very brief research, I believe the 8 is the 8th regiment, which I understand was stationed in Gananoque Quebec in 1895.
Again based on very brief research, I understand there were 500 Lee Metford Mk 1 Carbines shipped to Canada in 1895, and I believe this is likely one of them.

What is missing?
Upper and lower forestock wood: This should be an easy restoration since I can make the splices under the band. I am hoping I can salvage enough wood out of a scrap No 1 butt with matching grain and color.
Keeper for forearm band (terminology?): I may be able to find one but, if anybody has good photos next to ruler or tape measure, I could likely make one. If anybody happens to know where I may be able to find one …………..
Nosecap: Hens teeth and rocking horse s**t! The last time I did a restoration, Elliot Campbell (bless his heart) lent me one so I could get the forearm profile right. I never did find one. Not sure what I will end up doing this time. Any suggestions?
Magazine keeper loop: Should be an easy replacement.

I am by no means a military scholar and welcome input and correction from any and all.
Does anyone have the serial number range for Lee Metford Carbines shipped to Canada in 1895?
By the way, I found an unused 1982 provincial deer tag in the butt trap.

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