Trophy Match barrel question

[GRButler]

I purchased a lightly used SS Trophy Match 1911 yesterday from a local shop. They sold the piece on consignment. When I stripped & cleaned it, I noticed a 3 digit number etched on the barrel. The etching looked like it was done with a hand engraver/etcher. It was not professional looking at all. Do any other Springfield owners know anything about this? My concern (obviously) is that a lower quality barrel may have been swapped in. On the other hand, perhaps the hand etching is done so as not to damage the barrel with a machine stamp. Any comments??

Thanks

GRButler

[nemesis]

You'll probably find the same thing on the inside of the slide. I don't recall anything on my barrel but the slide has 3 digits crudely electro-pencilled in and that's the way it came from the factory.

[Maj Tom]

I purchased a lightly used SS Trophy Match 1911 yesterday from a local shop. They sold the piece on consignment. When I stripped & cleaned it, I noticed a 3 digit number etched on the barrel. The etching looked like it was done with a hand engraver/etcher. It was not professional looking at all. Do any other Springfield owners know anything about this? My concern (obviously) is that a lower quality barrel may have been swapped in. On the other hand, perhaps the hand etching is done so as not to damage the barrel with a machine stamp. Any comments??

Thanks

GRButler
The numbers are the last three of the serial number. You will find them etched on the slide, bushing, and possibly the extractor as well (if memory serves). It is done as the parts are hand fitted (to a certain extent) during assembly at Springer. Just my penny and a half….