How can I fasten 1x4 fence railings to fence panels from underneath or from the side?

Question

I'm helping put together a custom fence with wire panels sandwiched between flat 1x4s, with the panels being placed in-between 4x4 posts. What would be an effective way to fasten the top 1x4 to the fence, either by fastening it to the fencing frames or to the posts?

We would like to have all the screws on the outside of the fence so that when we are inside the perimeter of the fence, no fasteners are visible, and we'd also like to avoid any fasteners on the top of the 1x4 railing for looks as well as for general rain impermeability, if possible.

My first that was to toe-screw them together with the screw-tip coming up at an angle into the under side of the top 1x4 railing after passing through both of the fence panel 1x4s, but I worry that will cause the top 1x4 railing to tilt a bit to one side. I'm hoping I can combat that with some clamps while screwing things together, but I'm not sure how effective that will be (or if I'm worrying about nothing).

If it matters, this is ground-contact pine lumber that will eventually be stained/sealed. We are using wooden fence/deck fasteners; typically #8 of varying lengths.

How the top 1x4 will rest on the fence panels:

How the fence panels will sit/attach to the 4x4 posts:

Answer 1

I did mine down from the top, then counter sunk the screw holes and put plugs in them and sanded them off smooth to the surface.

Answer 2

I'd just try to find the best looking L-brackets; some can look really good. And matched with the fence, it will add an even better touch.

Answer 3

You could attach 4" pieces of angle aluminum on the bottom side of the 1"x 4" every 20 or so inches. The thickness of the angle would need to be equal, or slightly thinner, then the thickness of the hog wire in the fence panels.

You could press the angle pieces down between the boards, (into the space of the boards that are sandwiching the hog wire panels) and then drill small holes through those boards and the angle to add stainless steel screws to secure it in place. Thin aluminum stock is easy to drill.

You could recess the heads of the screws and fill with plugs if you want a clean look.