And the conversation could have continued:
"Hey, can I have a blank plaque, I'm going to number
it '123' just for fun."
"Sure, but don't be so obvious, number it '321' instead."
"Hey, that is a better idea."
Conspiracy theories are a blast.
All things being equal, the simplest explanation is usually correct. A DP Deluxe, disassembled, repainted and put for sale by a former employee.