serial number question

[Gswag]

Are the original contenders serial numbers designated differently on each style frame?  I've noticed that it appears to be an S on stainless frames in front of the number, an A on armor alloy frames and I don't remember if there was one or not on the standard frame.  I was guessing that the S obviously designated stainless, etc.  Is this correct or just a coincidence in the few I've seen and the letter indicate a year instead like some of the other makers?  What got me sort of puzzled was that I've seen some stainless frames with the S designation with black hammers and triggers and some that had silver hammers and triggers.  did they interchange colors like that or does that give some indication that something has been "monkeyed" with on the frame.  Just started noticing some of these things on my search for more frames.  Thanks.

GS

[Hopalong7]

      S designated stainless and the numbers started at 1000(I bought #1946) in 1993, I think.  And yes, A was Armor alloy and I'm not sure about the numbers there, but I assume they did the same thing.  The standard Contender started at 1000 in 1967 and ran consecutive until the end...about 435,000 or so.  The so called "easy open" frame started at 195,000.  Never saw or heard of a stainless with a blued hammer so I'd suspect somebody changed it.  Wouldn't know why as the newest style hammer/safety assembly came along long before the stainless frame.
Walt

[Gswag]

You never know.  I just thought it was a little odd looking but you never can be too sure with the manufacturers sometimes.  thanks for the clarification on the letter designations.  GS

[Ken ONeill]

Walt pretty much said it all. I will add that the Armor Alloy frames are indeed a different number sequence than the blue. My only AA frame is 24XX from 1986.

[Gswag]

Thanks guys!