S&W 1902 1st change with strange markings Pics added

[ljspoon]

I just picked up a S&W 1902 1st change at a local pawn shop. I wasn't going to buy it at first because of the condition. The original nickel finish is worn completely off and the ejector rod knob is missing. I ended up picking it up after I noticed some strange markings on the left side. There is an inverted V on the frame behind the trigger guard and a small GRW stamped in front of the trigger guard where it meets the frame. I plan on getting a letter but was hoping someone here might know what they were. It has a four inch barrel, rubber grips with matching serial numbers inside, and the serial number is 604XX.

[ljspoon]

pictures added

[DCWilson]

I haven't seen identical markings on other guns. I'd guess those are a previous owner's initials. I don't think I see the inverted V. If you mean the roughness on the left side where the back of the trigger guard joins the frame, I can only see some random light pitting.

That gun has had its finish stripped and the surfaces polished semi-aggressively. Frame corners are rounded and rollmarks are a little weak. It looks as though someone was getting ready to refinish it but never got it nickeled (if that was the intended finish) after the surface was cleaned up.

That could be a good old shooter. I restrict myself to 48 gr wadcutter match ammo in my 1902/first.

[mtb1bkr]

David, the V or possibly arrow is right where the trigger guard meets the frame on the first picture. Looks like an < pointing toward the trigger.

[ljspoon]

Yes that is correct, I was wondering if it was the remains of an arrow. The size of the letters is similar to inspectors initials, there are no other marking though.