OK, that makes sense about the markings helping to ID the block. I was not too worried about the snowflake either but it is a bummer that is is gone. It probably took a few minutes to remove(for the same reason as yours) and will take many hours to replace.
Thanks again,
Jason
Here are a few pictures of other parts that were on the short block if anyone cares:
Factory deep sump pan converted to dry sump:
Summers Bros timing cover and GM aluminum waterpump with reduced inlet:
Chrome balancer of some sort:
Electric water pump drive motor and dry sump oil pump:
