Thompson Drum Mag

[Paul l k]

Hello fellow Thompson collectors ,,

I would like to get some help on a 50 round drum I have been offered ,, It has the following patent marking:

AUTO ORDANANCE CORP.
NEW YORK
REGISTERED IN THE US
PATENT OFFICE ..

I have of course encounted this Patent mark on several other drums but what I am unsure of is the fact that below on the reverse side to the loading key ( see pics ) there are the words:

" FOR EXPORT ONLY "

Does this mean this drum is of modern manufacture and would it fit Ok into my 1928 A0 Thompson ,, Can someone also give me an idea on much I would need to pay for it ,, Drum is in nice clean condition ,, I look forward to your opinions ,, Thanks for your help ,,

Cheers
Paul

[james m]

The drum was made during the infamous Clinton era ban on large capacity magazines. The Thompson drums built for domestic sales at that time were limited to 10 round capacity. All that silliness is now gone to the expiration of the "Assault" Weapons Ban during the Bush Administration.
I suspect this drum so marked will eventually command a premium and is probably quite scarce.
The drum should work fine in your 28 Thompson but many of these drums require a little adjustment so that the rails will readily slide into the slots in the receiver.
Jim

[Paul l k]

Thank you Jim for taking the time to reply ,,

My 1928 has seen light service in WW11 so I would of course prefer a drum that was issued during the war but drums are few and far between over here ,, Can you advise me on the present value of this export drum and also what would I expect to pay for a war issue ,, Thanks ..

[james m]

Paul:
Since these drums were made solely for export and not sold in the United States I've never seen one for sale so I have no basis for pricing. However I do know there is a very active machine gun collecting community right in your Country. I would suggest you check locally and see what you can find out.
If I learn anything more I'll contact you.
Jim

[Paul l k]

Thanks Jim , I did end up passing on the drum as I received other comments from members in regards to pricing and reliablity ,, Yes we do have a good strong group of smg collectors here but there is nothing in the way of WW11 50 rounders on offer at this time ,,

Cheers
Paul .