“X” stamp on pre-Model 10?

[MarkHayden]

At a local gun show in North Idaho yesterday I looked at a pre-Model 10, serial number C383xxx, indicating ‘54-‘56 production. Just above the assembly number stamp inside the yoke was a faint stamp of an x.

The bluing on this pistol was exceptional for a pistol of this age. No signs of wear. Is the “x” an indicator of a factory reconditioning?

Thanks for your responses.

Mark

[s&wchad]

It’s not a rework mark that I’ve heard about. I’d say it’s a fitters or inspectors mark.

[MarkHayden]

Thank you for the quick reply. I’m a rookie at decoding stampings.

Mark

[JP@AK]

As Chad suggested, letters on the frame in the yoke cut are nearly always fitter's or inspector's marks. The exception, of course, is that on later guns there may be a letter associated with the serial number, once serial numbers were stamped in that location.