To add to the confusion : I checked all the typewriters to which I have access and all have the # over the three (3). All made for US market.
I called the # a pound sign having learned that nomenclature in first grade (age six) but when I studied music it became ingrained as a SHARP.
Now it irks to hear "pound sign" when on one of those awful "press now" telephone thingamies.
That language guy who writes for The New York Times ...Safire, I just remembered....wrote a terrific piece on the dot/period collision. I am a very basic user and never have any luck on searches but if someone could find that essay of Safire's it would be a boon.
Now....let's see...What was the question ?
wow