Previous discussion (above) indicates "plumber's putty" or "dum-dum" between these (1965) plates and the inside of the door. My 1966 examples show this also. It's only around the larger "button" end of the plate; All around the biggest hole. None at the front bolt hole.
AND: My other observation is two elongated or slotted bolt holes in the reproduction plates (sold by Paragon). My originals have round bolt holes, not slots, which seem to me... more able to hold the handle secure for a longer time.
Does anyone have a functional problem resulting from the reproduction backing plates?
Thanks in advance. /td