This pertains to my Stevens Conlin pistol but probably applies to other Stevens as well.  My Conlin has a star(sort of) in front of the serial # which is stamped on the side of the barrel lug.  I have read Cope's remark that he does not know the meaning of this mark but states in his book"Stevens Pistols and Pocket Rifles" that the star in front of the serial # is often seen.  I read a comment in another book, I believe Kimmel's, in which it said that the star may mean a special order but it stated that this is doubtful because the star shows up so often, probably more often than would be reasonable for special orders. 
Do any of you have any further details or ideas about this star and its meaning.  My pistol seems to be standard except for what looks like ebony grips instead of walnut and maybe this is the special order feature the star might indicate on this gun.
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The number in the circle is quite common on rifles. Not sure what it is. Saw a reference to it a long time ago but can't recall what it was. Possibly a proff mark of some sort.