Railway Mail Service

[old tanker]

I seem to remember that in the early 1920's, the US Postal Dept purchased Colt 1921 Thompsons including some with the 100 round drum. These
Thompsons were then issued to US Marines to guard the mail on trains. Later in the 1920's most of these Thompsons were returned - but some
of these weapons and drums were with the Marines during the "Banana Wars"

The Marines were not chosen for this "domestic law enforcement" mission by accident. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 specifically applies only to the United States Army and, as amended in 1956, the United States Air Force. Passed as an amendment to an Army appropriation bill following the end of Reconstruction it limits the Federal government from using Federal troops to enforce domestic policies within the United States.

The Navy Department, and by extension, the Marines are under no similar restrictions, although, at present Navy policy is to adhere to its provisions.

[Brian Dick]

I see an Augusta Arsenal inspector's stamp on Paul's Colt 1917 revolver.