I saw another example today. The wear plate was tapered, but it also had the center third of it raised, to interface with a bolt that had a notch in its underside. This was a VH as well, but I didn't have a change to get a serial number to check the date.

When it would snap shut, you'd feel the slightest bit of initial resistance in the lever when reopening, but not much in comparison to mine.

That style is of the 1910 patent.





.