Remington, slide hardening test marks?

[digi-shots]

I saw a Remington 1911A1 today that had a couple of "punch marks" on the slide. s/n 2,030,xxx (late 1944??)

Two small "dots" on both the left and right side of the slide.... on the front just above the recoil spring housing at the recessed arch curve.

I know I've read about these punch marks before... but I'm not sure what they called and exactly why they were done... Can anyone shed some light?

Do these only appear on Remington's ?

How common is it to find a m1911A1 with these "punch marks" ?

By the way, it was in very good condition, original finish (serial number stamped AFTER parking), slight wear on the front slide (holster wear?),
late Keyes grips.

Thanks in advance!

[bgiven]

I guess they could possibly be Rockwell hardness test marks.... but....

:wl:

[exitwounds]

It seems too late of a serial number for the Rockwell Hardness punch marks, most were found on early R-R's with type I slides.

[Johnny Peppers]

There appeared to be an issue with getting the proper temper in the early Remington Rand slides as the hardness tests are quite common on the early slides. I believe Joel Babcock pictured a slide here on the forum that had multiple hardness tests. It was probably getting the hardening procedure correct that was the problem and once this was done the test was only done randomly to insure that the hardening procedure was being followed correctly. They add interest to a pistol, but I would not think it adds any value.

[digi-shots]

Hey, thanks!

The punch marks are just like the ones on Joel's Remington.

The slide was definitely the "third type".... the Remington address was just a tad over 1".

[digi-shots]

Sorry about not posting any photos.... it's not mine. It's in a gun store.