Here's a photo of the barrel sn area on the barrel of a DWM Alphabet commercial in the "m" block (1923). I believe that this is in original rust blued commercial finish...
The surface metal stress around the digits shows similar oval halos.
It may be the alloy or the light reflectance angle of the photo, the rust bluing process or and depth causing the smooth appearing halos. (note a digit is removed in the photo)
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 Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum -
- Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.
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