damper guide coupler(?)

[A440A]

In a message dated 5/19/98 9:17:59 PM, you wrote:

>Anyone know the purpose of that piece of maple that connects the bass and
>treble damper guide rails on Steinways?

  I always thought it was just a cover for the hole that is there for the horn
of the plate.  
Any one else? 
Ed Foote