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Drum Information Needed


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Arthur, I believe there has been some difference of opinion on just when the nickel rotors were no longer used. Also, there is always the possibility of either old (excess) Colt parts and/or rotors being used on Worcester Press drums right out of the factory, or exchanged later in the life of the Worcester drum in question. Who knows? http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/blink.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif
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Arthur,

 

According to both Tracie Hill and Doug Richardson, the first version of the Worcester drums had nickel rotors. The lettering is all that distinguishes them from the 3rd gen Colt drums (no number, no NO.). I have no idea whether the nickel rotors were leftover from the Colt runs or were manufacturered by Worcester. As Walter says, anything is possible. I will compare Hawk's lettering to samples I have to decide whether it is a 3rd or 4th gen L-drum.

 

Think what you may, but I will go with Tracie and Doug on this one!

 

Roger

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Roger, Tracie Hill, Doug Richardson, and Frank Iannamico are, as you undoubtedly know, among the best authorities on everything Thompson. I don't yet have Richardson's book. Does anyone know of a good source for Doug Richardson's book?
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Walter,

 

Get the drum manual from Doug Richardson at:

 

Doug Richardson

2100 McReynolds Rd

Malibu, CA 00265

 

Call him after 10:00 PST at 310-457-6400

 

I remember the price is reasonable (~$20??). I am reading the two technical manuals he has written right now. The are full of excellent observations and I am sure the drum manual would be good too.

 

 

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Arthur--

I've always heard that polishing rare coins would dimenish their value. Why wouldn't that situation be the same for this rotor?

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Hawk,

 

Great News! Based on the lettering in the pictures you provided, you have a Colt L-drum, not Worcester. It is the 3rd generation of L-drums. That increases its value. I would guess the value to be more like $1500-$1800, maybe even the $2000 that Walter quoted earlier in this thread. Pricing of these drums is highly subjective.

 

Bottom line is you have a really nice Colt L-drum. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Congratulations! Use it in good health.

 

Roger

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Roger,

News? Although that fact was already established on January 7 when Hawk posted pics of the drum, at least now he does not have to contend with conflicting info.

 

Sgt,

Well, because that is a patina issue with coins and polishing them might erase, or fade, the markings. But even when these coins are salvaged from shipwrecks, they are carefully stripped of excess debris. The reason for nickel plating is that it is a great finish that resists rust and corrosion. Since there are no markings on a Colt nickel actuator, bolt, or rotor, how could removing tarnish hurt their form, or function? If excess debris were considered an original valuable commodity, would not then removing gun powder residue from previous firings also constitute removing valuable crud buildup?

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Arty,

 

I think what we have here is a little too much Antique Roadshow veiwership. Like you said there is a big difference b/w polishing to the point of removing sharp edges, and cleaning an item up. I hope people don't leave old caked on grease on inner mechanisms because they think it will detract from value to remove it..... The oustide furniture and the inside mechanisms are different animals... Of course if you have a bad barrel maybe you want to leave the "patina" to cover up the corrosion.... btaim all the way around it sounds like a nice piece...

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Thanks to Art, Walter, Roger, and everyone else for helping me with the drum question. I appreciate it. Here is a picture of it on the gun.

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v19/hawkey/thompson1.jpg

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hawk, that's a nice photo, but it looks so lonely there, all by its lonsome! It is begging to be caressed, fondled, and fired. Remember, "Happiness is a warm gun."-The Beatles. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/blink.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/laugh.gif Regards, Walter
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But what about the rare white lettering drums? I've only seen a few of these. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

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My guess would be collectors used a white crayon to accentuate the lettering. It is done alot with German WWII weapons.
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Mike,

Go to the corner!

 

Hawk,

This is an age old joke on the board about factory "white" lettering, don't mind us!!!

( but if you do come across any pieces that are actually factory "white", hold onto them! Thier worth a bundle!)

 

Okay Mike, make some room in the corner, I'm coming! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/smile.gif

Zamm

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Arthur,

 

Perhaps you knew on January 7th that it was a Colt drum, but I was not certain until I checked the lettering/fonts against Doug's drum book. I don't carry it with me and do not have it memorized like you apparently do. I am just glad that Hawk has such a nice drum to hang on that Tommy.

 

Are you planning to attend the TCA Show and Shoot in August? It would be nice to talk face to face.

 

Regards,

Roger

 

Mike/Zamm,

 

When I got my white lettering kit from Brownells, it came with a bonus - an original GOLD lettering instrument. Does that mean I too can now have a Midas Thompson? (This corner sure is getting crowded!!) http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

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If Arthur F tells anyone who he is at any gunshow, it will be an act of God. If I were him I wouldn't show my face either. A colt junkie like him never changes. West Hurley=junk and Colt's=God. Whatever.

 

Join the talking tommorow AF and we will see who you really are.

 

Are you in Georgia AF?

 

Jr

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