Karl,
That is a valid observation and it certainly would explain the anomalies noted. You have a good eye, spotting the added hold open and proof mark. I do not think the dot in the letter suffix is a speck of something but could be a combination of the blurred image and the glare of some of the portions of the stamped letter. I am open to consider that it might be a "b". I wish we had a better photo to go by, which could clear up the mystery and justify the selling price!
Again, good eye...well done!
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If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction
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