Just thinking out loud here, trying to list traits of a real, legit 1904 Navy :
From what I read in Jan Still's book IL, read on C. Whittaker's web site, what I gleaned from Jan Still's letter (which Tom A. posted on the LF), and other e-mails I have received, I think a real bonefide 1904 Navy should have the following :
1. 90 degree checkering pattern on the New Model toggle knobs.
2. Short "ears" on the New Model extractor.
3. A 1-piece toggle lock assembly that runs through the top of the right side toggle knob.
4. One Crown/M proof on the back of the frame, above the lanyard "staple".
5. One Crown/M proof and one smaller Crown proof on the left side of the frame, forward of the side plate.
6. One smaller Crown proof on the left side of the barrel.
7. Both Crown/M proofs to have the crown slightly "floating" above the M and the M leaning towards the right just a bit.
8. Both smaller Crown proofs to be the pentagon-style of crown with a small vertical line in the center versus the small circle in the center (which was changed for the regular 1906 and later production).
Oops...forgot some basics...
9. Long frame, 6" 9mm fat barrel, flat, riband main recoil spring, grip safety...
Other refined points, e-mailed to me by others :
10. Barrel's internal chamber area should have a thin "ring" (i.e. result of milling in two steps...?).
11. Old type frame with new type receiver.
12. Safety area is usually altered with evidence of discolored 'shave' mark on the lower part of the safety area .
13. The magazine should have concentric circles with a serial number and C/M proof.
Wonder if I have missed any other salient traits...?
Regards,
Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />