Obliterated Markings

[Dwight Gruber]

As a comment in discussion in a topic down-forum, John Sabato suggested I post a question here, so here goes--

I picked up a 1917 chamber dated Navy at a gun show last weekend. The metal is complete and correct and matching (don't ask about the magazine or grips!), but the finish is only about 50%, a bit of pitting here and there (not much, truthfully), and some spot touch-up reblue.

All the proofs and date markings which one would expect are there. My question concerns a marking which is not.

Something, some marking, has been removed from the frame, beginning just under the serial number where the letter suffix would be (there is no suffix, as can be seen from the serial# on the barrel), and continues along the curvature at the front of the frame and ends just in front of the trigger guard.

Is there any kind of inscription or stamping in this position known on other 1914 Navys? Or, is this one of those never-to-be-solved-so-get-over-it-and-move-on mysteries?

--Dwight