David: If I had to guess, I'd say they were not translucent.

Cap,

I've seen quite a few brown buttons that "look" like translucents because they were dyed.

Notice the absense of spacers. They're missing for the same reason the handle is aluminum (Too porous to be sterilized).

'53 seems about right. Can you post a photo of the butt nut? (Speaking of, howz it going, Joe? )

Best,

Ron