If you look in Scott Meadow's book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols", the Norton pistol is shown in the book as serial number 3. I have known Scott for many years but never questioned him as to why he indicated the pistol was serial numbered, but I would guess that this was from information furnished by the staff of Norton Gallery as Scott was not allowed to examine the pistol. Possibly the same mis-information was furnished to Michael Reese at an earlier date, but I would think this would be information known only to Michael Reese. I believe Joe Schroeder appraised the Norton pistol for the gallery, and have heard that he had permission to photograph the pistol but never did.
This is pure speculation on my part, but I don't believe the Norton Gallery had any idea of the significance of the .45 Luger in the firearm collection, and knew virtually nothing of it's markings. At one time there were lesser firearms there that were displayed much better. The last time I was at the Norton Gallery, which has been several years back, the firearms collection was relegated to a small ill lighted room while the emphasis is on the collection of Remington and Russell paintings and bronzes.
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