A pair of 1900 American Eagles - consecutive numbered

[DonVoigt]

I have had 7717 for a couple years, it is my 1900 "shooter"; due to the replaced breech block, all else is matching. It has a rust blue refinish that is showing its age.

Imagine my surprise when I noticed 7718 on the recent RIA auction.
It is in original finish, also matching.

Both have super bores, and show the "anomaly" of having the take down levers numbered in the "visible" position, not like the normal "hidden" number of most commercials. Seems DWM was "deciding" where to number the lever, as around this time examples are found with the two digits on the right end, left side as here, and on the bottom of the lever.

These two must have traveled two very different routes to come together again after 116 years or so. 7717 must have had a busy and rougher life, it shows some fine pitting under the old refinish; and somewhere along the line the breech block suffered a failure or maybe the extractor was lost, anyway it now has later one with the original type striker and the mid link and toggle are matching to the rest of the pistol.

7718 fared a quite bit better, keeping its original finish, with thinning on the grips, and a spot on the junction of the side plate and frame.

Oddly, the numbered, matching grips on each have survived in excellent condition.

One has to wonder how many consecutive 1900 pairs are together.

For sure I'm happy they are together again.

[lugerholsterrepair]

Fantastic Don! Really something to see...