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Hello all,

I am he who is called Skriletz. I'm a long time user of this forum, but this is my first time posting. I'm not sure if this is the proper category to post this thread in, so if it's not please feel free to take it down, or place it where it needs to go if possible. These pictures represent my modest collection of Depression-Era firearms.

I placed these in a photobucket album. Here is the link:

http://s1356.photobucket.com/user/HistoricalReenactment/library/Depression-Era%20Firearms?sort=3&page=1


The first item is a Colt 1903 Hammerless Pocket Pistol. Serial number reads 263676, dating this gun to 1917. Though I doubt this one was used by L.E., she's a beautiful pistol, and she holds a special place in my heart (first pistol I purchased). It's chambered for .32 auto so it holds eight rounds. By some twist of fate that must have been divine intervention, my old man was at a gun show and found two extra magazines for it. Seller didn't know what they were for, so Pop got 'em for a steal.

The second item is a Colt Police Positive Revolver bearing the serial number 82748. I tracked the date on this one to 1916 (hey, 100 years old!). Regrettably, it's chambered for .38 S&W, which is a pretty difficult round to find. Oh well. As I understand it, these revolvers were the first pistols the FBI ordered in bulk (before they were even called the FBI). However, those were chambered for .38 Special. Still a great piece, and I'm proud to have it in my collection.

The last one was found at an antique show by my brother. It's a 1.5" Tear Gas Gun manufactured by Federal Laboratories. Not quite sure when this one's from. Serial Number reads 1864. Seems like an early number, but with something this specialized, maybe not. I am currently discussing the matter with Mr. Albert of this forum to try and pin down a date on it. Even if it is post-1930s, I'm glad to have it, and it looks great with the rest of my accoutrements.

Finally, and not pictured, because I don't think it was necessary to do so, I have a reproduction FBI hard case for the Thompson Submachine Gun. It's the IMA version (linked below). It seems to me to be a fairly accurate reproduction, at least for the price I paid. Inside, I keep three XX clips (all stamped Auto-Ordinance), a stock (in the process of affixing original hardware), a pistol grip, and two boxes of pre-war .45 ammo. I'm halfway there to owning my own Thompson! Ha ha.

http://www.ima-usa.com/u-s-thompson-smg-fbi-carry-case.html

Anyway, that's me. I'm glad to be here. I've learned so much already simply by reading others' posts. I can't imagine what I'll know after actually speaking to fellow members. Thank you.

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Thanks for posting Skriletz. David and I have been discussing your Federal gun since he sent me some pics. It's an anomaly (but this is based on a small sampling and no good data exists yet, but I'll work on that).

 

The serial number would indicate it should be early production, like in the 30s however the features are all much later. Early Pittsburgh guns typically have checkered grips and the stock has a raised comb, for lack of better term. This raised stock is part of the frame, as is the serial number so I do not believe your gun was upfitted with replacement parts.

 

I'll try to get a post started over in the tear gas forum this weekend to help better explain. Also I will start collecting information on these so we can hopefully draw better conclusions in the future.

 

At the moment I am inclined to think yours is around WWII to mid 50s before Federal Labs moved to Saltsburgh, however the serial number would not support that and I'm still contemplating ideas.

 

PS Is the rear sight marked Marbles on the side?

 

PPS welcome to the boards and congrats on the collection of early crime fighting hardware!

 

Ron

Edited by ron_brock
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Ron,

I apologize for not responding sooner. There was a gentle breeze here in Western Washington and I lost power for a couple days. I appreciate all the research you are doing on this matter. It does not say "Marbles" anywhere on the rear sight. It seems there is so little info out there, on this gas gun. Most of what I can find are catalogs, and a few pictures from movies and the acquisition of a few pieces by the Boston Police Department. All of these resources show no rear sight, and feature the checkered grip. But it does seem like an early serial number, then again how many of these incredibly specialized pieces could have been produced? I can't imagine there would be much call for it outside police-work.

Even if it is a later piece, I'm still happy to have it.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm happy to be here.

-Skriletz

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