Hi Westin,
The side-plate seems to be the part most frequently replaced and most experienced collectors scrutinize this part. On Mauser Lugers the side-plate will be numbered internally as well, with the first two digits of the serial plus 1. The top left corner should be rounded over, see photo. I'm sorry to have to tell you that a replaced side-plate is a real value killer and the gun is relegated to "shooter " status.
Norm
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