First...thanks a million...I'll take side by sides of the new and the older gun and post them before tonight.
The date code on the old one, is on the right side of the frame...no box, just XXX, then to the left of that are the 2 other proof marks.
On the newer ones it goes, box, (CD), THEN proof marks. The diamond and F.LLI Pietta Made in Italy, are on the right side of the barrel...no markings on the left of the frame.
I promise the pictures will show s/n, proof marks, and every marking I can find...MAN these Italians are making it confusing to this poor old cowboy!
It's 2:00am here right now, but I WILL have the pix up when I wake.
Billy
(proud owner of a Cap'n Billy prototype .44...4 of them even!)