I recently purchased a Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2 barrel that was manufactured in 1973.

The gun appeared to be unfired, however, I noticed some factory stampings under the grips that may be an indication of the gun being factory refinished.

Under the grip, on the bottom of left side of the frame, the capital letters RE are stamped. The letters are in a circle. Does anyone know what these letters indicate?

Also the serial number is stamped on the cylinder under the extractor and on the back of the extractor. I thought these stampings were done on earlier guns, however, I'm not sure.

I've seen several references to factory refinished guns and factory stampings on this forum, however, I have never seen any references to these letters in a circle.