International Courier service - Tommy gun mag

[Omark]

Good morning from NZ. I am a long time follower of the site but this is my very first post. I was recently fortunate in being able to acquire a Thompson M1928A1 (serial number S242544). The top of the receiver is marked with "Thompson trade mark" & "tommy gun" The left had side of the receiver is marked with US model of 1928 the Thompson sub-machine gun , cal .45 Automatic". The right had side is marked with patient numbers and the auto ordinance details. It has a cutts compensator fitted and came with some mags and, sling etc.

Being from NZ drum mags are not easily obtainable so I have obtained an import permit to import one from overseas.

I have managed to locate one in the UK. The seller has said that once the payment has been confirmed, they will reserve the item for me but that I will be responsible for organising any paperwork and pickup and delivery by a courier of my choice. they say that they have done this several times for New Zealand and other countries, and this is the easiest, and only way they can do this.

My question is has anyone done this and who do you use? I'm not sure how to go about this or who to ask. I don't really want to buy the mag and then find it a nightmare to ship to NZ

Regards
Aaron
NZ

[papermaker81]

I have used Cheshire Gun Room in the past to import articles from the UK to the US. Just provided them the import permit and a pile of cash, and they took care of things UK side. Gets sent Air Freight and you have to have a licensed importer our side, or at least get it out of customs yourself at the airport. Slow and expensive, but thus far its worked fine.

DHL is by far my preferred courier, as their customer service actually helped me figure out something that was stuck in customs, but I'd be a bit surprised if they allow shipping magazines, last time I tried I couldn't find a commercial carrier that would even ship an airgun from the UK.

[Flying10uk]

I was very impressed with DHL recently when they shipped several canteens from Japan to me in the UK because it only took them 3 days from Tokyo for the canteens arriving at my front door.

I would suggest approaching DHL and explaining what the position is and see what they say, pointing out that magazines can be freely owned in the UK as they are considered "collector's items".

[Omark]

Thanks for your replies. I’ve now been told by the exporter that he needs permits to send these mags “out” of the UK. I didn’t realise such items were so heavily regulated. I’m about to give up unless anyone knows of a UK source that’s prepared to export. Any advice would be most appreciated

Regards from NZ

[Flying10uk]

Have a chat with John at D. S. Solutions. He may be able to offer advice or "know a man who can"?

[Woodsy]

DHL or UPS have both done the job perfectly well for me in the past. In addition to obtaining a NZ Import Permit, you will first have to have a P7 (collector-prohibited magazines) endorsement on your firearms licence. Thompson drums are not that hard to get in NZ as they frequently turn up in auctions and sell in the NZ$800-1200 range depending on condition.

[Omark]

thanks Woodsy - i picked up the Thompson at the last NZHAA auction in Napier and its a nice example

I have a P (mags) and all of the required import permits. There were some drums in the auction but unfortunately I picked up the Thompson post Auction (as I had no intention of buying it and it was a spare of the moment purchase!). I actually went to purchase something else (a bren tripod)and missed out unfortunately. I'm off to the wellington Auction but there are no drums listed at that one.

Some photos are attached

Regards
Aaron

[Flying10uk]

exporter that he needs permits to send these mags “out” of the UK. I didn’t realise such items were so heavily regulated

I don't know that you do need "permits" to send these out of the Uk and that is why I suggested getting a second opinion in post 5. Magazines can be freely owned in the UK, currently, and many militaria collectors own them simply as a "collector's item".

[Omark]

Thanks I was going to give John a call on Monday