Lil update:
Microarc can and will do the work. $100--reasonable. (weld up + shape)
In the meantime i purchased one of the reproduction pieces on ebay, $35. the thing is pretty freakin ugly, makes the original look like a gem, and i would definitely pay the extra $15 for the genuine article if i could do it over. It is fitted to the gun now. I plan on going back to the range this weekend to see if it does what it's supposed to.
I've looked into repro shoulder boards and have decided to get one.
From my understanding of the rules discussed (in the below link) i will be illegal until i re-install an artillery rear toggle link. then of course i'll have no rear sight, as my original arty rear sight was excised at some point... all it takes is loads of money i suppose.
http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...shoulder+board