Attached part comes from a “good old” 629 (NON-MIM, firing pin on the hammer)
It is the (cylinder release) bolt, broken in half.
I have never seen or heard of this before, anyone an idea how this could have happened?
….and how to prevent a second time? (stock is limited )
Is resting of the thumb a probable cause?
There is a slight bending moment on the bolt due to the offset. I have never seen this either, or ever heard of this happening, but nothing "caused it", it just happened! Replace the bolt and get on with life. I can guarantee you it will not happen again!!
Why would you ask about "resting the thumb"? If you rest your thumb on the thumbpiece when firing the gun the checkering will tear the hide off your thumb! I can guarantee you have not been doing this.