Help In Deciphering Some Stamped Markings?

[philasteen]

I looked at a 1928 Thompson this weekend and it was stamped with some interesting proofs.

 

The first was the letters "RIA"

 

I assume that means it passed through Rock Island Arsenal.

 

It also had the letters "FK" near the RIA.

 

The lower (which was non-matching) was stamped with three letters but I couldn't make out the middle one, it looked like GEG.

 

Does anyone know the significance of these markings?

[dalbert]

philasteen,

 

I believe the markings indicate the following:

 

George E. Goll was the original inspector of the weapon when it was produced.

 

The weapon was refinished at Rock Island Arsenal, and inspected after refinishing by Frank Krack.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

 

 

[philasteen]

Thanks David. Am I to take it this means the US Army owned this gun at some point in its life?

[dalbert]

philasteen,

 

It appears so. It would be interesting to know the history of the weapon. What is the serial number?

 

David

[John Jr]

QUOTE (philasteen @ Jun 26 2005, 01:49 PM)

I looked at a 1928 Thompson this weekend and it was stamped with some interesting proofs. The first was the letters "RIA" I assume that means it passed through Rock Island Arsenal. It also had the letters "FK" near the RIA. The lower (which was non-matching) was stamped with three letters but I couldn't make out the middle one, it looked like GEG. Does anyone know the significance of these markings?

It would be in your best interests to get both of Franks books and Hills book too. These questions are answered there.

 

Sounds like the mismatched TSMG (not uncommon for a military gun) was rebuilt at Rock Island Arsenal just like you said. The FK is for Frank Krack (some inspector I thing) and the GEG is for George E Goll, this is on all TSMGS I think.

 

HTH