As a carry over from previous inspection standards, Mauser was required on early production pistols to put an inspection stamp on all parts as Simson had done.
The early inspection marks were a Scriptic "S". Later, the scriptic S was changed to a Gothic "S".
However, by SN 8300, the requirement for individual inspection marks had been largely phased out.
Mauser, as any other gun manufacturer never threw anything away. Thus, could a previously inspected takedown lever still be around in the 9000 serial number block?? Sure!!
FWIW, the S stamp on the takedown lever by itself would NOT necessarily put me off the gun unless there were other indications that the gun was not righteous.
John
|