Thanks for that blast of info, Wiregrass! I truly appreciate your time and expertise.

I have never noticed any type of Japanese markings anywhere on it, but I will go and double check. Maybe I'll even get some more photos of it posted later.

As for checking under the grips for the serial number, I'll give that a go to. But, I may wait to see if someone may give me a hand if they don't want to come off easily. The serial number on the butt does match the serial number on the cylinder. Since looking over this forum, I've learned there may also be a serial number on the inner side of the barrel latch. I'll have to check and see.