Some of the companies used to have tool boards that hung in bigger hardware stores showing the progression of their products through forging and finishing.
I wonder if that piece came from one of those.
I'd have guessed the ring end would have been broached before the name and dimensions were impressed in normal production, but that's just a guess.
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I'd have guessed the ring end would have been broached before the name and dimensions were impressed in normal production, but that's just a guess.
I'd say that is a pretty good guess.
A process board piece would probably show the progression of steps, and the marking would be almost last prior to any plating or other surface finish.