After much deliberation I have placed an order with Bill Rittner.
Overall this will make the plane a bit on the expensive side, which is not Bills fault as I think what he offers is good value.
Bills solution, is to use a single stud for the LA jack was reached after much research, and trial and error by himself and other professional woodworkers. I support this decision, a single stud in combination with the boss on the plane casting, which fits into a mortice on the handle, should provide more than adequate strength. The handle in the centre of the photo is one of Bills in progress, the one on the left is an early Stanley and the Fuggly one is ... :oo:
Attachment 307621
I am confident that when fitted the handle will provide the necessary cosmetic surgery, and return the functionality that i need on my bench.
Details and costs of the handles are on his website and cost of shipping to Australia is US$25.
Bill can be contacted on his website :- http://www.hardwarecitytools.com/products.html
Regards