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Proof Marks on my AOC '28 Bridgeport..... Questions


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My AOC '28 (A.O. 51983) has a nice, strong WB inspectors mark and also an Ordy wheel with crossed cannons, although this is faint.

No other hand stamp markings on the receiver.

 

I see some early AOC guns having a flaming Ordy Bomb stamped under the Inspectors marks but don't see one on mine.

My receiver was badly refinished many years before I bought it and the stampings were thinned out with (it appears?) A belt sander (Yup. Bubba'ed good!) then it was all reblued.

Trying to clean it up for a new finish and wondering what marks should be there.

The other receiver roll markings are there albeit thin in the edges

 

From what I know, the crossed cannons Ordy wheel was an arsenal rebuild stamp but not sure if these had any ID or were all just general wheel with cannons.

And not sure if my serial number range should have a flaming bomb it if that was only in the earlier AOCs?

For those shuddering in horror, I bought this gun as a shooter back in 1998 and have about $3500 into it so no worries.

It won't ever look quite proper but I can make it look a lot better.

 

TIA for answers about the markings.

 

john

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The Ordnance wheel stamp was not a rebuild stamp. It was an acceptance stamp.

Rock Island Arsenal is the only U.S. Ordnance facility I can think of that stamped any thing other then their Ordnance faculty initials and inspector initials. RIA stamped their initials and also the initials of the foreman of small arms inspection either FK or EB. RIA would also stamp a small flaming bomb as well. Rock Island Arsenal stamped the receiver and not on a stock. Auto Ordnance and Savage also stamped a rebuild mark during WW2 when they did overhauls in 1944 and 1945.

 

edit: grammar

Edited by Bridgeport28A1
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John,

I believe the information provided above by Bridgeport28A1 is right on point. I have never really studied the WWII production of the Auto-Ordnance Bridgeport (AOB) Thompson guns sold and/or provided to the US and other government allies during World War II. I highly recommend Frank Iannamico's American Thunder III if you do not already have this book in your library. I am surprised it has not sold out, probably soon!

 

On page 139 of American Thunder III, there is a picture of A.O. 36940 with the inspector markings, WB, and the Ordnance Flaming Bomb symbol. On page 144, there is a picture of A.O. 96771 with the WB inspector markings and the Ordnance Wheel stamp. I believe this AOB Thompson gun belongs to Bridgeport28A1.

 

My picture files for the AOB guns shows A.O. 42277 with the WB inspector markings and the Ordnance Flaming Bomb symbol. I also have a picture of A.O. 60666 with the WB inspector mark and the Ordnance Wheel stamp.

 

It appears to me your A.O. 51983 is properly marked. Apparently, there was a change from the bomb to the wheel symbol sometime after A.O. 51983 and prior to A.O. 60666.

 

You mentioned in an earlier post you had obtained a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) package for A.O. 51983. I would like to know the date and form type on the earliest IRS or ATF form in the package.

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Thanks for that info, guys....much appreciated.

I own Franks book but it's at home and I'm traveling now.

I think Bridgeport 28A1 has shown me that gun also.

With what I recall I figured there was a cutoff somewhere and it's good to get some finality.

As for my foia, that I will dig out when I get home and let you know. I think there were only three Or four forms and the last before mine belonged to a close friend.

 

It'd be fascinating to get the full story.

 

john

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