Strange font on early M3?

[ark8012]

On eBay, I found an unusual font for early M3 serial number.

Do someone know Leica used this type of font for their early M3?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301248836276?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Ansel]

Most likely a replacement top plate with the number engraved afterwards...

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Supposedly, the very few Canadian-made M3 bodies had a larger M than the rest of its confederates. However, since the seller claims this is a 1954 vintage, perhaps Ansel's theory is correct, and this is a replacement top plate with later engraving.