Thoughts on these frame numbers?

[Avro]

Two of my current projects are based on somewhat obscure frames. One is S&G Muddy Fox made by Araya and one is a Racergoose made by who knows but certainly in the far east and more than likely with Tange tubes and lugs. Both have those classic Tange lines. However, both are of totally different construction; one lugged the other welded.

One curious thing is the identical style of serial number. Identical size and identical font:
http://

http://

Interesting, no?

[monkian]

Yeah, nice little puzzle this. Maybe no coincidence given the cooperative structures operating in Japan around that time but could also be some kind of generic stamping tool supplied to a few makers. Really hard to say for sure but the fact they both start in 22 does add to the theory that there could well be a connection. Either that or its perhaps a year and month code for Feb 82 maybe.