Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society Museum - Colt # 8600

[dalbert]

All,

 

My oldest daughter and I went to check out the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society Museum this afternoon. I knew from photos I had seen online that they had 2 Thompsons, so I wanted to check them out.

 

Well, it turns out they have an FBI Thompson, Serial Number 8600. It used to be in service at the Cincinnati FBI Field Office, and is apparently now on permanent loan to the museum. The staff at the museum were very happy to pull out the Colt, and let me handle it. They even insisted that my daughter Audrey pose in front of the Bonnie and Clyde lifesize photos, and take some pictures. So, now there is a connection between B&C, and the TSMG! I have the photos to prove it!

 

Here are photos of Colt #8600:

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6091_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6093_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6081_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6082_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6094_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6099_Web.JPG

 

The staff showed me 2 really cool photos of a Colt 1921A in use by Detective Bob Meldon in the 1950's. Apparently he was involved in a pretty good shootout with a CPD Colt Thompson in 1957, and was known as Bob "Machine Gun" Meldon due to his affinity for the TSMG. Some more information may be found at the following link:

 

http://cincinnati.co...ies-to-newport/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/BobMeldon1.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/BobMeldon2.JPG

 

The museum also has an M1 Thompson that was formerly used by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6084_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6085_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6086_Web.JPG

 

The next 4 photos are of weapons used in Cincinnati homicides.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6087_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6088_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6089_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6090_Web.JPG

 

Sidearms of the Cincinnati Police Department through the years... I was interested to learn that even though the department switched over from S&W Model 10's in the 1970's to S&W Model 65 .357 Magnum revolvers, the officers were still issued .38 Special ammunition for the new guns. This still didn't make sense to the officer who worked through that transition, and gave us the tour. After that, various 9mm pistols were issued, up to the current S&W M&P, the design of which I was told was somehow influenced by the Cincinnati Police Department.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6083_Web.JPG

 

Hopefully, no one here has been photographed behind this sign...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6102_Web.JPG

 

I believe this may be a former OGCA NRA Convention display. The individual who loaned the display is apparently a past OGCA President.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6103_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/Colts2.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6106_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6107_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6109_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6111_Web.JPG

 

We learned about the Cincinnati Courthouse Riot of 1884...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6112_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6113_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6114_Web.JPG

 

Lots of gangster cutouts...I may need to post these as a visual guide on the gangster board...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6116_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/PrettyBoyFloyd.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6138_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6118_Web.JPG

 

FBI Service revolvers...(Next to Colt #8600)

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6117_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6119_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6121_Web.JPG

 

It was very interesting to me to learn that Cincinnati Police uniforms, up until 1950, were surplus Civil War Union uniforms. Apparently, Cincinnati supplied most of the Union uniforms during the Civil War, and developed quite a surplus. The buttons on the front were replaced, but otherwise, I was told the uniforms were original.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6123_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6124_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6125_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6126_Web.JPG

 

I took this shot for Jim C 351...Cincinnati had an officer who had been previously awarded the Medal of Honor as a Cavalryman in 1879.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6128_Web.JPG

 

This dog served with the CPD from the late 1890's until around the beginning of WWI. He was so loved, that the officers contributed to have him stuffed, and he's still around today...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6129_Web.JPG

 

A 2006 testament to body armor...big bruise, but officer survived.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6130_Web.JPG

 

This is a ballistic clipboard intended as a shield...It has a forearm strap on the reverse side...it was not popular with the local officers.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6131_Web.JPG

 

Cincinnati had some turbulent times in the late 1800's, and apparently acquired a Gatling Gun. I had no idea. I wonder where it is today?

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6132_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6133_Web.JPG

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6134_Web.JPG

 

Mugshot cameras were not as compact in past years...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6136_Web.JPG

 

Audrey getting a tutorial on ballistics from a former CPD Captain.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6137_Web.JPG

 

This box was full of layers of cotton batting, and was used for bullet recovery and forensics. The inside top had lots of gouges in it, and the end piece had been replaced.

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6146_Web.JPG

 

Police flashlights through the ages...

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/CincyMuseum/IMG_6149_Web.JPG

 

If you get the chance, I definitely recommend a visit to the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society Museum. It's very close to downtown, about 7 minutes from Paul Brown Stadium. They are supported by sponsorships and donations, and admission is free. The museum is a labor of love, and covers about 100 different law enforcement agencies in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[james m]

An incredible display from a museum I'd personally never heard of. If I ever getback to the Midwest I'll definitely visit this place. Thanks for the posts and pictures Dave.

Jim

[Piep]

This was very interesting.

Thanks for posting

Bob

[mnshooter]

VERY enjoyable! Those photos of your daughter posing in front of the B&C photos were the best.

[dalbert]

All,

 

I meant to mention that #8600 is listed in Gordon's book as having served at the FBI Field Office in Cincinnati, and presumably destroyed. Thankfully, that is not the case, and we have museums like this one to thank for the ability to preserve some of the Colts that may otherwise have ceased to exist.

 

This Colt has an accompanying FBI case. The two drums are West Hurley L-drums. The 4 XX magazines are WWII Auto-Ordnance manufacture.

 

Audrey was hesitant to pose with the Colt at first, because she was afraid she might drop it, but she did fine with it in the end.

 

I spent some time looking at the photos and accounts of officers killed in action, and noticed that the late 1970's, particularly 1979, were really bad years for Cincinnati Police Department losses. I made this comment to the retired Captain who toured us through many of the displays, and it turned out that one of the officers killed in 1979 had been her partner, and another was in her cadet class. She referred to many on the wall by their first names, and knew them well. That made quite an impression on me. I'd like to thank the members of the law enforcement community who frequent this board for their service.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[First Sergeant]

Thanks David for posting this. It's just down the highway from me and have never been. That surely will change after seeing what is available. Being retired now, LE museums are on my list of places to visit. Thanks again !! Chuck

[newtommygunner]

Great pictures, I noticed Audrey knows how to handle a Colt Thompson correctly, someone taught her well.

[35divmp]

Many times it's the lesser known museums that have amazing items on display (and even more items in storage) than the big museums.

 

If it wasn't so far from home I'd go today.

 

Another great museum is the huge Engineer-Military Police-Chemical Corps Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood. Well-worth the time.

[dalbert]

Many times it's the lesser known museums that have amazing items on display (and even more items in storage) than the big museums.

 

If it wasn't so far from home I'd go today.

 

Another great museum is the huge Engineer-Military Police-Chemical Corps Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood. Well-worth the time.

 

35divmp,

 

I'll have to check out the Ft. Leonard Wood museum. Thanks for the tip. I've only been to the base a few times since 1988, when my father was stationed as a doctor at the hospital there, and passed away. His memorial marker, and a 24 year old tree that was planted by his staff are next to one of the sidewalk entrances to the hospital. I might drive down there in April, when I'm in St. Louis for the NRA Convention.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[TM76]

I will make it a point to visit this summer, at the museum, I didn't know they had one.

Tino

[jim c 351]

Dave,

Really nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. Was the beautiful smile on Audreys face brought about by the camera or because of the Tommy gun she was holding?

Apparently Cincy PD had some other Thompsons in the past. I wonder what became of Bob Meldons Chopper??

Thanks again

Jim C

If you ever make it to Tusco make sure you bring Audrey. I'll bring my 9 m/m Uzi for her to shoot. Its the perfect SMG for a young lady.

[dalbert]

Dave,

Really nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. Was the beautiful smile on Audreys face brought about by the camera or because of the Tommy gun she was holding?

Apparently Cincy PD had some other Thompsons in the past. I wonder what became of Bob Meldons Chopper??

Thanks again

Jim C

If you ever make it to Tusco make sure you bring Audrey. I'll bring my 9 m/m Uzi for her to shoot. Its the perfect SMG for a young lady.

 

Jim C #51,

 

I think Audrey's smile was a combination of both holding the Colt, and having her picture taken. Once she took hold of it, she was smiling. Thanks for the Tusco offer. I need to make it up there.

 

Gordon has 2 Colts attributed to the Cincinnati Police Department in his book. The serial numbers are 6781 and 9123, and were sold by E.E. Richardson to CPD through the Powell & Clement Company. Both are listed as 21AC's, which is either disproven by the photos, or Detective Meldon was using a different Colt 21A that is not listed in Gordon's book at the CPD. I was very glad to find the photos. I'd like to find some more unposed photos like this with Colt Thompsons in use by police. I might do a follow-up, and see if there could possibly be more pictures like these 2 that are in the museum collection.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[TD.]

David,

Excellent story. I knew about NO 8600 from my discussions with the Cincinnati FBI office prior to my retirement. This museum has been on my list of places to visit since then. Funny, how busy one can be when retired! Like Chuck, I am going to have to get over there and see it.

 

This would make an excellent article for the TATA newsletter.

Edited February 20, 2012 by TD.

[sidthefields70]

Now that's a museum!! Great pics. Thanks for sharing.

[First Sergeant]

Maybe we could make it a mini TATA/OGCA reunion ! A close friend and past President of OGCA has an extensive Cincinnati Homeguard collection. He too was aware of the CPD Gatling but in checking with a few retired members of the dept we've failed to figure out whatever happened to it.

[giantpanda4]

Dug this post up because I am getting #6781 (Very soon, I hope!).

 

Unfortunately for me, I do not think it is the gun in the Detectives hand, as #6781 has a Comp.

 

So in anyone knows the whereabouts of #9123, it is most likely the one in the pics!

 

And to think I was in the Cincinnati area a couple times recently - and we forgot about this place. Got to make it a stop next time!

[m1a1bert]

After waiting over 8 months I'm picking up my Colt Thompson 1921AC serial #8724...Can't wait...

 

Great Site,

 

30 plus years as a Deputy Sheriff retired. M1A1Bert

[michaelkih]

Great post!

[TD.]

m1a1bert,

 

Congratulations!

 

Please post some pictures NO 8724. Or better yet, show it off at the All Thompson Show & Shoot for members and guests of The American Thompson Association. Location: central Ohio in early August.

[m1a1bert]

Will post some pics sometime next week, which I could go to the show maybe next year.

 

Thanks, M1A1Bert

[rustebadge]

I own an AO 1928AC ("1" overstamped) with "X" serial number that was part of the Cincinnati Ohio PD inventory. It has no inspection or military acceptance markings. I spoke with one of the retired armorers many years ago who told me about Melton and how he became a legend at CPD. My '28 appears to have been amnesty registered. The armorer said that CPD had about 10 Thompsons starting in the late 1940's. I have talked to officers at CPD who tried to locate original paperwork for the Thompsons with no luck.

 

I feel fortunate to own such a fine piece of history.

 

Greg

[TD.]

Hi rustebadge,

I believe the great majority, if not all, of the Auto-Ordnance Bridgeport (AOB) 1928AC Thompson guns sold primarily to law enforcement organizations in the USA were registered with the IRS when sold. However, I do not discount a possible Amnesty Registration or double registration as I have seen this before. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request would likely answer this question.

 

Which (former) Cincinnati PD 1928AC do you have:

 

A01529_ _X
A01530_ _X

[rustebadge]

Hello Sir;

 

I own 1530XX. It sounds as if you have a list of the Thompson's that were used by CPD. Any chance to share some of the history of these SMG's, particularly, 1530XX? Would love to know more about my Thompson.

 

I have IRS Form 4467, dated Jan 13 1969 bearing the SN of my '28. Maybe you can help me - This form appears to be Amnesty in that it states, " This form cannot be accepted for registration of firearms except when received by the Director during the time period of November 2, 1968, through December 1, 1968." I do have more paperwork (tho redacted) from a FOIA I did in 2009. And some correspondences I had with Cincinnati PD regarding the Thompsons.

 

Rust E. Badge

Edited July 1, 2018 by rustebadge

[TD.]

Congratulations on your Auto-Ordnance Bridgeport (AOB) commercial Thompson. There were two AOB Thompson guns owned by the Cincinnati PD. I assume both were purchased between 1943 and 1946. The sister Thompson to yours, No. A.O. 152904X, surfaced in an October 2015 subguns.com advertisement for sale. It was relisted again by the same seller in 2016 and must have been purchased by Ruben Mediola because Ruben listed it for sale in 2017. I assume it has been sold but have not checked his website recently. Attached below are some pictures. I do not know the current owner. Perhaps they are a Board member.

 

Can you post some pictures of yours?