Were All Eagles The Same?

[guns3545]

Eric,

Die marking crests and national emblems on the chamber occurred often in DWM production years and even later in the Mauser era. It was always an option for a country purchasing for their Armed Forces. Or a freebie thrown in to win an order. Also, for commercial purposes having the national emblem on the gun gave it a certain cachet that attracted retail buyers.

But to your Questions:

1. The depth and quality of the die marking varied with the age/wear of the die, the skill of the die maker and ultimately with the skill of the production personnel but was always generally good. For example, as you examine various AEs , you can see variations in the depth of the impression.

2. The Eagle is not just any Eagle. It is the Eagle on the Great Seal of the United States of America that is used on currency, buildings, badges and other official and not so official articles. There is only one true definition of the Eagle. But die makers are human and even on our currency you can detect minute differences.

3. DWM certainly manufactured their own dies. Tool and Die makers are artisans essential to gun making.

4. For American Eagle models, the symbol is always the Eagle on the Great Seal of the United States of America. But various eagles were used over time in the crests and national symbols of other royal families and countries.

Hope this helps. And I agree, it is a truly wonderful symbol adorning the chamber of a truly wondrous gun.

John