According to this database, you've got a pre-1975 Nishiki which pretty much makes it a 1973 or 1974 because they were American Eagle before that.
One of your pics has a model name. It looks like "Safari", but I can't be sure. I'm not familiar with any "Safari" model.


well my neighbor brought over his american eagle 3 speed, and it has the same heart welded on to it and the same W under the serial. This is why I'm still wondering what it really is especially with the safari logo you mentioned.
and the old bike pump holder. So strange......