Head gasket...which way is up again?

I feel like a fool... if the shoe fits isn't the problem here though. I'm putting this 18V motor back together to see if I can get it started. It helps to have a can that runs when laying out a proper work plan eh? Nothing out of the ordinary untill I went to lay the head gasket over the block. It's from an Athena upper gasket set and the head gasket confuses me. It has a thin metal "plate" that duplicates the stamping? It's almost like the low compression shim I've seen used on Triumphs but it's loosely laminated to the gasket.

SO! The guestion is has anyone seen this type of design and is does this "plate" face the block when installing?

Duh,
Newt

Look at it for a few minutes. I think the gasket will only go on one way.

the pushrod holes will orient it in one direction while the stud pattern is, IIRC, different front to rear (but maybe not?). There should also be a marking "top" or "front" or something like that.

Most head gaskets have top stamped in them but there are still a few makes that do not. The normal way a mechanic decides which way is up is, the roll of the metal around the bore. The flat surface is down the rolled edge is up. This we were taught in automotive college is because the ridge, in time eats into the surface and the head is a lot easier to machine than the block. Denis