A bit more progress. Came up with a name. Had some .5" x 2" brass plates engraved at
http://www.engravecon.com Very fast shipper. Picked the thicker 'softer' brass plate and 'Victoria' script. Order all at same time if you want them to all look the same. I ordered 2 for bow, but decided later to add the stern plate which was just a bit different in size. No one would notice unless you are picky. Plates come with adhesive back, which is great for centering first, then drill/set mounting screws. I had to drill the screw holes in the plates. Drill plates first before mounting.
Next was the grab rails and stanchions. I used .1" diameter bronze welding rods. I think they cost about $ each or so. It's the length that is hard to get from standard model suppliers at reasonable price. So this is a great option. Brass stanchions from Cornwall Model Boats RB07540. I like Cornwall site very much because they take the time to describe the fittings better than others. I needed a certain height off the wood rail and theses were perfect. 2.5mm hole diameter fits .1" rod just right. Remember, if you put a stanchion every 5" for 25", you need 6 stanchions.
Installing stanchions: Mark holes, drill holes, drop of CA in holes, insert and twist in the stanchion. Keep turning until stanchion base flush to deck. I used a short length of rod as a tool to insert stanchion and as a guide to tell how well hole lines up with wood rail. Curve the rod and slide it in before final trimming and rounding of ends. Sometimes as form or function, the rods pass through the end stanchions, and sometimes, the rods are fit into a part drilled end stanchion leaving a 'ball' end. I chose to pass the rod through the end stanchions. Like the look better. To keep rods from wandering, a drop of CA was added to only one stanchion hole on each side. Easy enough to break free if needed.
Also brazed up an flag pole mount. Waiting on a 5" 48 star cotton flag, antique off ebay. Have to be period correct!
All fun to do, and the look is just right. Stanchions offset the bronze rod enough for me to tie on Lipton tea stained bumpers, which was the whole point.