Many thanks to all responders...based on your comments and my hitting the books, I believe the picture is clearing.
A true G Date should be in the range 930a to 5000 f. Looking at the picture of the mark on the front of the frame (see new pics below), it looks to me like someone tried to change/obliterate whatever suffix was there...not good news.
However, the G over the chamber looks OK to me, but the comment about halo could be telling.
Bill, yes, I came to the same conclusion about the mag after looking at Costanzo and Still...looks to be a K Date mag...the box/37 specifically K Date only. I can't explain the Scriptic S in two places. Also looking at the closeups (below) of the center s/n section of the base looks "messed with" as in grinding marks. Also, I think it's bright Nickle plated, not stainless.
I've added pics of the grips and I think they speak for themselves...I've not seen s/n stamps like that before (large), but have only seen maybe a dozen.
So, the bottom line in my mind is pretty much what you guys came up with...a nice looking mis-matched shooter with an interesting story which we will probably never know.
I think we can seal this case and again, thank you all for your comments...great bunch of guys! Steve
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