It is a fact that there is no one distinguishing feature that sets a Model 1900 Test Pistol apart from any other Model 1900 AE made at approximately the same time. While some of this is rehashing what I have already posted, it may bear going over again in condensed form. The numbering of the takedown lever on the round started in the early 6000 range. There would have been no reason to have changed the practice of numbering the serial number on the flat just for this run of pistols, and if you examine DWM serial number lists you will see minor changes come and go throughout production. No proofs and no GERMANY import stamp continued into the very late 7000 range. Due to these pistol having no distinguishing features that a cotract pistol would have, there can only be an assumption that the entire shipment of 1000 pistols were numbered consecutively.
Pistol number 6052 was a presentation piece to William F. Reed (Bender pg. 527) who was chief US inspector of the Test Eagles. Pistol number 6054 was presented to G. H. Powell (Kenyon "LTMNP" pg. 50) are both are reported to be identical to the Test Pistols in that they have the TD numbered on the round and have no GERMANY or no proofs.
Unless someone uncovers documentation of the exact serial numbers of the Test Pistols, a part of their documentation will always be part assumption.
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