Is the "applique" the front plate you were looking for? He gave you a number to call for a new one. I can get you a used one (maybe) from a guy that has probably 200 or more OMC cowlings from just about every year.

Is it like the one in the picture, black plate with a chrome, raised seahorse logo?

Oh, and check out: http://www.old-omc.de Pretty neat site.