US Thompson SMG Drum and case

[RobertE]

Folks, I've found a Thompson 50 round drum in a canvas carrier in a local shop, which looks in excellent condition. It doesn't look like the current reopos; it has lines of patent dates and other markings that don't look like any of the aftermarket ones I could find being offered. It is his old stock - what is a fair price, in general, for one of these things? Fellows - I know nothing about these magazines, and would really appreciate some ballpark help. s/f Robert

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Robert, in the UK these sell for between £275 and £325 depending on condition for a mag alone. These all came out of Russia. (If you double these figures that will roughly be the price in US $. ) I don't know the US market values but it will give you some ideas.

They can be seen here:

http://www.rytonarms.co.uk/site/home.php

Cheers, Ade.

[RobertE]

Ade, thanks much - I'll get it and post it here tonight. I think he may have two, in fact - s/f Robert

[Tomt]

Hi Robert Ade is right on. The last value I heard was about $500 for a 50 rd. and that was a couple of years ago. I am not aware of the Russian produced ones. The one I have is an Auto Ordnance production and is the 39 rd. one. It's value then was about $400. One collector told me he figures about $10 a round. Tomt

[RobertE]

Thanks Tomt, that help confirm prices on this side of the pond. Ade, that's a great site you directed me to as well. s/f Robert

[RobertE]

Well, I picked it up, and it's not like I remembered. It is marked Auto Ordnance and New York on one side, and winding instructions for 1921 and 1928 on the other side, with an "L" designator. It also says patent 1920 twice, with two months listed.

The condition is really nice. The case is heavy khaki canvas with a shoulder strap folded into the bottom; it has a broad belt loop on the back. Looks like it's marked 1942.

It looks real, and in real good shape. Are these markings on repro ones? I know it's hard to tell without photos, which I'll post tonight.

s/f Robert

[Adrian Stevenson]

I am not aware of the Russian produced ones.

Hi Tomt, these are US produced examples supplied under Lend - Lease to the Soviets, but never actually used.

Hi Robert, I am not up to speed on the repros, so I cannot help there, but I look forwards to seeing it anyway.

Cheers, Ade.

[RobertE]

Here it is -

[RobertE]

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[RobertE]

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[RobertE]

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[RobertE]

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[Tim G]

As far as i was aware the new made stuff is all restricted anyway and is marked as such.

regards
Tim