An eagerly awaited package arrived in the mail yesterday.
My NOS rope for the shield. It's beautiful. Even smells nice, like old hemp (or whatever it is).
Wasn't cheap, but good things rarely are. I believe more are available if anyone wants one. PM me if interested. It's an Australian military equipment seller, and I don't begrudge the $130AUD it cost.
The more genuine parts I can add to my gun, the better.