@ 43cApologist

You can always contact S&W Customer Service and inquire about the missing S&W trademark logo as well as the cylinder release color, albeit it might satisfy your curiosity to get an official word from S&W. I am guessing that you bought the 43c as new, and not as a "like new" in used condition. If you look at the box it came with you can do a little research by making note of the product number and see if it coincides with the catalog listing under product number. There might be a good reason why Smith produced it in its current configuration.

PS Welcome to the forum!