Carbine Saddle Ring

[Wild_williamdog]

My original Spencer carbine is missing the saddle ring. I expect it was at one time cut off as my replacement ring is solid ie no breaks where it could be expanded and squeezed together .  I removed the side plate to see if the bar to which the ring attaches had any means of attachment but it does not and is solidly attached.  Any suggestions as to attachment.  All I can see is to cut the ring to get it on the bar and then squeeze back together ( if I really want to put it on, that is).  Thanks.