Dating Thompson SMG Serial Numbers

[DJT]

While I have had no problem finding Colt pistol serial number info on the net in the past I am having a harder time finding info that would date Thompson SMG serial numbers. Could anyone help me with the following 2 numbers (both are in my own collection). I'd really appreciate it. Also can anyone tell me what the best Thomspon reference book is? Thank you.

122033
161134

[tracman]

While I have had no problem finding Colt pistol serial number info on the net in the past I am having a harder time finding info that would date Thompson SMG serial numbers. Could anyone help me with the following 2 numbers (both are in my own collection). I'd really appreciate it. Also can anyone tell me what the best Thomspon reference book is? Thank you.

122033
161134

Regarding Thompson reference books, assuming your interest is in military Thompsons, a great purchase would be "American Thunder - the Military Thompson" by Frank Iannamico. It's a quick find on Google. While the book does not have a breakdown of serial numbers, the monthly production statistics, coupled with an identification of the weapons in question, should help you narrow down the general range of your weapons' date of manufacture. Thompsons went through a variety of manufacturing upgrades as well (namely in the simplification of parts to speed up production and cut costs), and these help further identify the general timeframe of a Thompson's manufacture.

I'll assume, by the way, your two Thompsons are M1s or M1A1s, based on the serial numbers and lack of a letter prefix. M1928A1's had maufacturing prefixes (S for Savage, AO for Auto-Ordnance). These letter prefixes were stopped with the introducton of the Savage-designed M1. The book will also provide you with the clues you need to decipher the manufacturer of an M1 or M1A1.

Both of yours appear to be in a serial number range that normally would have included serial numbering on both the upper and lower receiver. If yours are matching, they are all that more interesting, especially if they weren't rebuilt and upgraded.

DISCLAIMER: I have no personal, financial, or other ties to this book, its publishers, or its author.