Pete,
The Army Instructions requiring date-marking of Lugers was issued in 1910 (Gortz & Bryans, pp111-114). This is a written instruction. The same Instructions also require the receiver inspection stamps and proof; although their position is not described, the diagrams provided in the Instructions show that these are to be stamped on the right side.
I would say that your conclusion about the production of "First-issue" guns being spread through 1908-1909 is valid, as there is no reason for the marking characteristics to have changed during those years and there is no way to otherwise date them
--Dwight
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