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Manufacture date West Hurley Thompson 1927A1 .45 ACP.


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Hi. This will be my first post here.

I own to Thompsons a 1928A1 in the 49k serial range and a 1927A1.

I got the 1927A1 a few years ago, and its serial nr: 31458

I've tried to find out when it was made.

And after much research on the web, all I can find is that West Hurley stopped at serial nr: 29585 in 1997.

Can the gun be made between West Hurley and Kahr Arms, or was there someone between them at all?

I do not believe its one off the many special serial numbers made during the regular manufacturing process,
the number 31458 seems too random for that to be the case, and to close to the cut off number 29585.(1873 from it).

 

All I know about this gun is that it was a police gun some where in Europe, owned and used by interpol.(.Info from the previous owner.)

 

Is there a book with some information on West Hurley Thompsons manufacture dates ?

 

All info are welcome.

Regards BEN74.

 

 

post-260017-0-73146200-1434643584_thumb.jpg

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while many special serial numbers were made during the regular manufacturing process. These special numbers are too vast to list

 

I know you don't think it's possible, West Hurley did some strange things over the years before the sale to Kahr. You found it in Europe? There is no telling what logic they used on that one. I know it doesn't really help but the Kahr guns had a two letter prefix to their serial numbers, KA 2015 for example. I would think yours is just late WH, they sold to Kahr in '99 so who knows what went on in the interim from '97 last recorded serial numbers to '99. You didn't say if it has a 10.5" barrel with compensator or 16". Does everything else match a standard WH semi auto?

Edited by Motorcar
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Ben74,

 

With that serial # it must be a pistol with no buttstock . If that what it is it was made in 1994 and has a 101/2" barrel.

 

Frank

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Hi Motorcar and Frank. Its got a 16" barrel with compensator. At the moment the compensator is replased with a suppressor, i use the original compensator threads so no permanent changes to the gun. And its got a buttstock , the buttstock looks to be original to the gun. Typical West Hurley "quality."

Everything else seems to match a standard West Hurley semi auto.

Do somone hawe the Tracie Hill book "The Ultimate Thompson Book"?

I'm interested in whether there is something more there than the list on nfatoys.com?

I to think the most likely is that it is made in 98 or early 99 and not listed in West Hurley`s papers, but would be nice to be completly sure.

I was wondering if maybe Kahr got some finished receivers when they bought it from West Hurley and used them in the beginning, but i believe 1873 is to many.

 

 

BEN74

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I have a WH pistol #423 made in 1977 and it doesn't have a P at the end of serial #. I was wrong on the barrel size it's 13". Someone could have put a different lower on a pistol receiver. Have you measured the barrel?

 

Frank

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BEN74,

Welcome to the Board. You definitely have an interesting Thompson. Additional pictures may help solve this riddle.

 

If the receiver is marked with the West Hurley, New York address, I would not think Kahr Arms would have sold it. Since this Thompson was found in Europe, I would surmise it was part of a special run for a specific customer that has now found its way into civilian hands. Or it could be one of the special request serial numbered guns that was exported from the USA. Both scenario's are very possible. Auto-Ordnance Corporation, West Hurley, New York sold guns where ever possible. Exceptions to known information is common.

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Do somone hawe the Tracie Hill book "The Ultimate Thompson Book"?

I'm interested in whether there is something more there than the list on nfatoys.com?

 

Yes, pages 480,481,482 list the production serial numbers for WH and Kahr. Starting 4/21/99 receivers from AOC(WH) inventory were used but still stamped with the "KA" prefix. I think you have the right idea on late production and serial number specific to overseas sales.

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Hello,

if it could complete and help : i bought my WH new in 1998 : #29604

at this time my gunshop had imported a dozen, long and short barrels

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Hi Paulsavoy.Thanx, was this in France?

At least it proves that WH made more than 29585 guns and exported some of them overseas.

Maybe Interpol bought for their office or section in France? Someone who knows ,do they have a office or a section in France?

 

BEN74

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Yes in France. here full auto weapons are not allowed. The semi auto were imported for people who want to shot at the range and sport section.

I don't think that a Thompson has been used by any law enforcement here since the WWII !

 

 

IMG_6604.JPG

Edited by paulsavoy
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