08 First Issue Questions

[RockinWR]

Greg/Dwight/TWIMC,
* I have posted some pics in the Member Gallery of my 1908 DWM 1st Issue S/N 9976a. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

* By way of introduction: This example is a classic, all matching S/N (but mag), 1st Issue bearing no stock lug nor chamber date. Barrel proofs and Pistol assembly proofs/acceptance stamps are on the Left Hand side, Commercial(hidden) small parts numbering locations, unrelieved sear/safety bar, & early rust blued w/ proper strawed small parts. A Hold Open has been added by Erfurt per May 6, 1913 Directive as evidenced by the familiar Crown/P acceptance stamp near the unblued H/O cross pin through the R/H Frame rail. The mag is proper as it displays the lengthwise placement of digits. It bears the numerals 2346 without a suffix nor C/letter.

* Two questions arise:
(1) The left receiver's accceptance marks are C/Z & C/T. The C/Z appears to be overstamped over another smaller crown. This has been seen on a number of First Issue P.08's; so, it is not unusual. But, has anyone any information as to why this sub crown appears and what its significance may be?? The sub crown appears beneath the upper crown of the C/Z & partially above the top "stroke" of the letter Z.
(2) This 9976a has what appears to be a single letter followed by a period in an atypical location. The letter apears on the machined cut blending the lower trigger guard to the front grip strap. The letter appears to be an "H"; but, the cross link "stroke" is angular and not connected fully. Possibly an incomplete die strike of a Script(??) "H". I've noted one other member posting an Imperial with a different letter in the same location on this Forum(I think). Has anyone an idea of the meaning of this stamp & who may have placed it on this P.08.?? The stamp appears halo'd; so, it was added after the original DWM blue @ the Factory.

* Any help in ID'ing these marking would be greatly appreciated.
TIA,
Bob