Question about sideplate numbering convention

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by kurusu

Went look at my 1915 DWM:

Got confused as ever.

Only number inside the plate is a 2 on the lower edge, placed fore and aft instead of athwart ship as the others shown.

# 7293 no suffix.

Marked 93 outside. Everything matching except for the rear toggle pin and magazine (came with a synthetic bottom Fxo)

Doubt it to have been boosted. It already has an unnumbered rear toggle pin and the finish even though original, has been over aggressively treated, presumably to eliminate surface rust, to the point of having the proof marks barely visible and a very shallow date over the chamber.

It's not one of my shooters. Not because of its collector value but because of its age.

Interesting "nautical" description!

At least the "2" on the inside makes sense with the serial number.

With just the "2", the last two digits would not repeat for 1000 numbers; probably more than enough to return the correct plate to its pistol.

Thanks for looking.