A Test Eagle...

[Ron Wood]

Dwight,
You have found a true diamond in the rough. It is salvageable. Even though the breechblock has been replaced with a later vintage, the good news is that the receiver has not been notched to accommodate the new model extractor, so with the proper breechblock it will look 100% OK. The forward toggle link was probably also replaced along with the breech block since the old model toggle link has a different shaped cam that cocks the firing pin and won't work properly with a new model breech block. So if you can find both pieces in decent shape it should turn out pretty nice. I think this is justifiable case for restoration. Since it has already been subject to extensive indignities, it deserves a better fate in retirement. Congratulations on having the knowledge and intuition to bring it back to the collecting community. And I especially appreciate the addition to the serial number list.

P.S. I don't think it was reblued. The polised safety area still shows up as a machined depression. The brightness has been dimmed by the same "patina" that covers the rest of the piece.