Pete,
In addition to crosshatch vs. grooves, there is a length difference between Type 2 and Type 3 thumb safeties--the Type 3 raised (grooved) portion is much shorter than the Type 2. #7161 here has the longer raised area, so I agree that it is a poorly-resolved Type 2.
According to my survey, the takedown serial# migrated to the bottom near the end of the Test Eagle guns. I have examined above-the-range 1900AE Luger #7857 which has the serial# stamped on the bottom of the takedown. I may be a little more accepting--less cautious--about the above- and below-the-range test pieces, I think that if it is a 1900 American Eagle in approximately the right range without a GERMANY stamp it is a Test Eagle--the AE and no GERMANY being the only consistent exclusive characteristic throughout the entire variation.
--Dwight
|