Model 52-2 Question

[Bullseye 2620]

I recently purchased a last year production Model 52-2 from another Forum member. The serial number is TZP74xx. I noticed though that this pistol does not have the little tab on the bottom of the mainspring housing, such as is shown in this picture:

Rather, the bottom of the mainspring housing is flat, no tab:

What was the purpose of the tab, and does its disappearance on the later production models have any significance?

Thanks, guys!


Bullseye

 

[S&Wman]

That is a lanyard loop.
Very similar to the old military 1911's lanyard loop except S&W's is more of a rectangular loop.
Same idea though.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

That is a lanyard loop.
Very similar to the old military 1911's lanyard loop except S&W's is more of a rectangular loop.
Same idea though.

Well, that's what I first thought, but there's no hole in the tab to affix the lanyard to. Anyway, a Model 52 is about the last pistol for which one would have a need for a lanyard, right?

The mystery deepens.


Bullseye