What FBinNY said leads me to wonder if these were Hsing-Ta's:
http://www.mrrabbit.net/docs/spokeheads/main.html
They usually have the wiggly star on the head...these are about as cheap as you can go in terms of stainless steel spokes. Bottom-line grade and lighter than most stainless steel spokes as well...
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life