Longbranch marking

[joe n]

My friend was showing me a nice 43 dated Longbranch. Is matching and appears in original configuration. But I cannot identify the marking where I would think it should have a C broad arrow marking, instead of what appears to be an asterik. Can anyone tell me what this is? Thanks in advance,
Joe

 

[JP]

Two opposing arrows means sold out of service, aka no longer the property of the government.

 

[koldt]

Yup, legitimate surplus when our gov't still sold back to the tax payer stuff they already paid for.

 

[joe n]

Thanks Gentlemen