Almost looks like somebody marked it for security reasons.

Salt Lake City does have a bad gang problem.

That was my first thought as well.

Here in Minnesota they used to have a program called Operation ID. The idea was to engrave your valuables with a unique ID number assigned by the state and then post your Operation ID sticker on the door to your home. Somehow this was supposed to discourage any would be burglars because they would know that you had permanently defaced your valuables.

Funny thing was I recently picked up an old Magnavox stereo console from the sixties. First thing I noticed was the operation ID number engraved on the tuner. Had to laugh at that

Doesn't make any difference to me because I have a re-import TZ, but it appears to be a re-import in the first picture. It's marked England and the service plug, which would have been different in the UK is missing.

I have a re-import IJ, doesn't bother me at all.

All the time. For a long time US prices were much higher and import/exporters still made tons of money even after the cost to ship. Most were done in huge shipping containers, thus the problem of water damage seen on some re-imports is something to look for. I would buy a import in a sec if its clean, I couldn't care less.

I don't beleive its a security etching as I'd imagine the numbers would be consistent. The numbers in the pictures seem to differ and there appears to be multiple numbers on the translight.

I have a re-import T2 with Deutsch Mark coin slots. Seems kinda appropriate with Ah-nold and all.

Just made an interesting find from another post. These appear to be either a better etching, or stamped...but the number format seems somewhat the same.

http://images.pinside.com/archive/3f/medium/3f74d8b76a1a2b857d848ac1267688f8799aae70.jpg

http://pinside.com/pinball/archive/metal-man/gallery

Also, if you've got 4 or 5 of one machine, it's nice to keep the main parts together. If it's clearly marked, you can't mix up the playfields or translites or whatnot.