War eagle - different top front castings

[Imaohw]

I'm trying to educate myself on real vs. reproduction machines. In looking at photos of War Eagles I noticed two different types of top front castings on machines that were sold at auctions as real. The difference I noticed is the location of the what I think are casting spots for possible skill stop buttons. In the first picture of a machine (see below) they are below the reel windows. In the second picture they are between the reel windows. These are just two random examples of nickel machines I found. I have seen the same two different fronts on other denominations as well.

Are both castings legitimate or is one a fake? Was one used in later models?

I also noticed that the serial number on the one with the spots below the reel windows is to the right of the award card. I do not see serial numbers in the same spot on the other machines. Is the serial number in a different spot or does this mean it is a reproduction.

Thanks,

[oldslotman]

Here is one more different one. No spots. Very early machine. 10 stop 2/4 payout with no denomination button. Serial number to the right of the award card.

[mechanic]

The top pic is of a later version War Eagle with skill stop button marks. the second is the early version where the buttons ran between the reels. The later was made to stop from having the linkage rub against the reels plus the later version used less material saving on the cost of building the machine. Two more version were made the 3rd pic without denom. button and no skill stop marks, then the one with the denom. button and no skill marks.

[Imaohw]

Mechanic, thanks for the information.

Where is the serial number found in the earlier version where the buttons ran between the reels?

[flipper77]

My War Eagle is one of my best examples of fully original untampered with machine. Serial is in the 363xxx range and you can see how it looks. Hope that answers your question..

Flip

[flipper77]

pictures