I've been corresponding with a local collector about Test Eagles. He wrote Bruce Canfield ("American Rifleman") asking for some clarification of the article under discussion, and encouraged me to post the reply:
"The original Q&A asked if the pistol in question was John T. Thompson's "personal" pistol. It's not, hence my answer. The martial markings on a handful of 1900 Test Lugers is the subject of some controversy today and, in hindsight, that aspect should probably have not been addressed. I have no direct documentation to contradict SA Museum's statement although some students of the subject have a different opinion. I did not, and will not, comment on the originality of the pistol in question. The pistol may very well have fake markings added but, again, that was not the question asked and it against the American Rifleman's policy to give such opinions. Further clarification should probably be forthcoming in a future issue."
"To follow-up on my previous response, I think it would be helpful to the readership to quote Springfield Armory Museum's position on the subject of the 1900 Test Lugers so that no erroneous information will be perpetuated. I am contacting Mark Keefe (editor of the American Rifleman) regarding this matter. If you like, you can notify the Internet forum commentators accordingly. "
--Dwight
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