Jt5249 Posted April 6, 2019 Report Share Posted April 6, 2019 Where can I find out the serial numbers of the Thompson SMGs that were reportedly owned by the Charlie Birger gang in the 1920's? I believe they ended up in the Franklin County Sheriffs Department in Benton, IL. That is where they hung Charlie Birger in 1928. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gijive Posted April 6, 2019 Report Share Posted April 6, 2019 (edited) Where can I find out the serial numbers of the Thompson SMGs that were reportedly owned by the Charlie Birger gang in the 1920's? I believe they ended up in the Franklin County Sheriffs Department in Benton, IL. That is where they hung Charlie Birger in 1928.Gordon Herigstad's Colt Thompson Serial Numbers has the guns listed to Franklin County as #'s 4861, 5106, and 5296. He doesn't say definitively if they were owned by Birger, but they are presently in the possession of the Frankin County Sheriff's Department. They used to have two of his Thompson's on display. Looking at the website, it doesn't look like they do anymore. http://nohomejustroam.com/visiting-franklin-county-historic-jail-museum-benton-il/ Another link to some additional photos. https://thesouthern.com/news/local/benton-antique-shop-hosts-charlie-birger-display/article_812060dc-3e34-5b4d-b23b-e8030fd252ad.html Edited April 8, 2019 by gijive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colt21a Posted April 7, 2019 Report Share Posted April 7, 2019 From that area Cox had #5290 on cover i had #5294 and Terry Williams still has one.Some great Illinois Thompson history War in Iillinois and Bloody Williamson two good books, And that info has been posted here in the past.Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
full auto 45 Posted April 7, 2019 Report Share Posted April 7, 2019 To add to this, there is another member of this board who has some of the Birger history interest. He can chime in later. Colt Chopper and I were at an auction that had the actual noose used in the Birger hanging. It sold for over $16k. It was well documented as the actual rope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jt5249 Posted April 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 Gordon Herigstad's Colt Thompson Serial Numbers has the guns listed to Franklin County as #'s 4861, 5106, and 5296. He doesn't say definitively if they were owned by Birger, but they are presently in the possession of te Frankin County Sheriff's Department. Serial numbers 4861 and 5296 do not reside in the Franklin County Sheriffs Department as they are in my possession. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gijive Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 Gordon Herigstad's Colt Thompson Serial Numbers has the guns listed to Franklin County as #'s 4861, 5106, and 5296. He doesn't say definitively if they were owned by Birger, but they are presently in the possession of te Frankin County Sheriff's Department. Serial numbers 4861 and 5296 do not reside in the Franklin County Sheriffs Department as they are in my possession.Well, I'm just telling you that Gordon's book mentions that they were at one time the property of the Franklin County Sheriff's Department. If they are in your possession now then you should know the history and the succession of the guns. There is a possibility I suppose that you own one or more of Birger's guns. If you had knowledge of the guns and their provenance, why were you asking in the first place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colt Chopper Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 I have number 8171, purchased by the Jefferson County sheriff's office in Mount Vernon Illinois in April of 1931. Not a Birger Thompson obviously, as he was hung in 1928. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colt21a Posted April 9, 2019 Report Share Posted April 9, 2019 It was also posted in two other places. They are worth Millions now........................back to my Whitescastles. And margaritaville.... Ron Colt Chopper Birger might have touched it ya never know.everybody still have a nice week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HANS Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 I've posted about the Birger guns here. Cheers HANS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giantpanda4 Posted June 20, 2019 Report Share Posted June 20, 2019 They appear to be for sale now... https://www.gunbroker.com/item/817611006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Mills Posted July 6, 2023 Report Share Posted July 6, 2023 “2 of 3” guns appear to be for sale now on GB: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/992264386 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colt21a Posted July 7, 2023 Report Share Posted July 7, 2023 See one of my old ones up for sale sheesh looks really rough now, probably went thru a few owners, CONSIDERING I SOLD IT OVER 25 YEARS AGO. ANOTHER #8780. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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