The "fading" serial number is just a function of a poor hot-stamp. Probably not enough heat, as the indentation of the type face is certainly there, but the hot-stamp foil did not stick too well, and that can be caused by insufficient heat, or the type face not being flush to the surface of the chip. But I'm glad to have it, but now have to figure out why it is serial numbered where others are not.

Thanks,

Jim