1921 Thompson, MP 40

[Woodsy]

That would make five numbers...on one gun then...

The early '21's had four numbers; on the breech end of the barrel, under the fore-end hanger recess, on the left side of the receiver, and the underside of the grip frame. The barrel number was dropped at 1000. Other serial numbers could be applied by special order from the customer (eg; the compensator).

[browningautorifle]

The early '21's had four numbers

OK, because my '28, which I think was made in 1939 had four. Under the buttstock, under the pistol grip, left side upper receiver, under the front grip tenon. I had the original barrel here after it was removed and it had no mark but an acceptance mark.

RCS' barrel makes sense then, where it's marked. Neat...

[Vincent]

This barrel came out of Chicago many years ago, no idea what happened to the weapon, nice bore too. The barrel serial number 280 could be one of the IRA Thompsons ?

280 is on the shipping ledger.

[browningautorifle]

Tracie Hill shows that gun shipped on May '21 to GG Rorke (Auto Ord), isn't that who got all the IRA Thompsons together for shipping? Here's some more reference Vincent's page... IRA Thompson Sub Machine Gun 1921 Model No 46 | Irish Volunteers.org

[oger]

Got the box of goodies that came with the 21 Thompson. There are a dozen stick mags most are marked THE SEYMOUR PRODUCTS CO SEYMOUR CONN. There is one marked SWCO and one marked US 30 CARTRIDGE CAL 45 with a co circled below. There is an unnumbered 50 round drum and brand new 100 rd in the box with it's serial written on the box. Is this stuff worth anything?

[RCS]

If you could post a photo of the 100 round drum, front and back it could be identified if original or a new made repro.

[oger]

What is the easiest way to tell the difference? Can't post pictures with my current setup.

[oger]

Actually don't bother I didn't know they made repops and it looked very wrong when I first looked at it. Just too nice and no way the box could be anything but new.

[browningautorifle]

I thought the C's were serialized? The mags are about average, the 20's are the ones that have some rare birds. Still, I bought my last L drum back in about 1992 and it cost me $217 CDN by the time it arrived. The last time I saw a L drum at a gunshow here it was $500CDN. The C drums are just plain expensive...30 rd box mags not so much. That's going to vary from state to state. You really should get Tracy Hill's book so you can evaluate all this stuff...

[oger]

What is the exact title of Tracy Hills book? Thanks for the info.