Value of Various Thompson Magazines

[DZelenka]

I came across a box of Thompson magazines and was wondering the value of each type. I am more of a user rather than a collector so I thought I would ask you guys. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post.

 

XX (20) Round Mags:

Sparks-Withington unmarked (WWII)

Colt Era Patent Date Mags

 

XX (30) Round Mags

Auto Ordnance Second Version

Sparks-Withington (SWCO) very light grey, smooth Parkerizing

Sparks-Withington (SWCO) dark grey Parkerizing

Seymour First Version (1st/2nd)

Seymour Third Version

Seymour Fourth Version

[Autorotate]

PM sent

[DZelenka]

Are any of the parkerized magazines original finish?

[ron_brock]

I dont think there is really a premium to any of the XXX mags. Parkerized should be refinished. SWCO seem to be harder to locate (in my unscientific study), but few are looking to fill the void. Im sure Roger will add to the discussion.

 

Ron

[TSMG28]

Dan,

 

For the XX mags, condition and features will dictate the price. You need to clarify the Patent Date version(s), original Colt or Maquire era. You also need to confirm that the SW blank mag has the correct beveled floorplate.

 

The XXX mags are mostly just shooters. All Thompson mags were originally blued. The grey Parkerizing you describe is probably post- Vietnam, though thats hard to say for sure. The blued mags are nothing special, though the SW one is a bit less common, as mentioned.

[DZelenka]

The note that I saw with the mags indicated that the SW blank mag had the correct beveled floorplate and the patent date mages were "Colt Era". The last date on the patent mags was 1921. Other than that, what are the "tells"?

Edited January 29, 2019 by DZelenka

[rpbcps]

The note that I saw with the mags indicated that the SW blank mag had the correct beveled floorplate and the patent date mages were "Colt Era". The last date on the patent mags was 1921. Other than that, what are the "tells"?

 

The Maguire era patent date mags have the same dates them, the patents did not change. This link will help you identify the Colt from the Maguire era though:

 

http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9897

 

Stay safe

Richard

[DZelenka]

 

The note that I saw with the mags indicated that the SW blank mag had the correct beveled floorplate and the patent date mages were "Colt Era". The last date on the patent mags was 1921. Other than that, what are the "tells"?

 

The Maguire era patent date mags have the same dates them, the patents did not change. This link will help you identify the Colt from the Maguire era though:

 

http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9897

 

Stay safe

Richard

Thanks. I will have to go back to make sure, but I am virtually positive that they are Colt Era magazines. They are in good shape although I didn't pull each of them out of their protective sleeves to check exact condition.

[TSMG28]

Dan,

 

If the Patent Date mags are Colt era, they typically go for $70-100 depending on condition. The SW blank mags typically go for $60-80 assuming they are correct, which it sounds like yours is.