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NAC, Interarmco, Kuwait, Import/Export Confusion


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This August, 1960 GUNS article by William B. Edwards raises questions regarding George Numrich's business operations in the manufacturing TSMGs and the import/export of his firearms and firearm parts. While we know INTERARMCO (the firearm importer/dealer that was forced to change their name to INTERARMS in 1966 due to a lawsuit) imported 60 Colt 1921A Thompsons from Ireland to the USA in 1956 at the behest of George Numrich, it isn't clear why Numrich required the import license of INTERARMCO to complete this transaction when by by his own claim he had import/export licenses.

 

"Sometimes Numrich supplies sportsmen in far parts of the world, too."

 

https://gunsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/G0860.pdf

 

Perhaps the purpose behind the purchase of this cache of Irish Swords was to supply a foreign nation with submachine guns. From the Edward's article:

 

"A typical recent order came by telegram from His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Kuwait Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. His palace guards are in rather urgent need of firepower in that uneasy kingdom. Numrich, as the exclusive manufacturer of the Thompson Submachine Gun, was in a position to make quick deliveries."

 

Both Roger Cox and GH have these Colts ending up in Kuwait. One of the Colts, #426, was sold for parts on Gunbroker back in 2012 and purchased by board member Brian "bmarvin." Why Numrich didn't just manufacture 1921/28 model Thompsons from scratch to fill this order of "100" aligns with the reality, despite claiming to be making new TSMGs, his only source for TSMGs consisted of the number of crated Thompsons he purchased from Fred Willis or to import existing TSMGs from around the globe.

 

This may also explain the Numrich policy of stamping "N.A.C." after the receiver and frame serial number as it became part of the official BATFE serial number. The regulation of marking imported firearms with the importers mark was not required until 1968, Numrich attempted to corral these Thompsons made in 1921-22 and during WWII with Colt/AOC/Savage branding to show productivity to back up his numerous claims of Thompson "manufacturing."

 

GUNS magazine expressed interest in testing one of these George Numrich "manufactured" Thomspons, but were denied per the reason Numrich cited.

 

From the Edwards article:

 

"Where Tommy Guns Are Shot By Civilian Marksmen," Numrich post-haste pointed out that he was the sole proprietor of "Tommy Gun" and that the words were incorrectly applied to the Swedish m/45 "Kaw-peest" burp gun which was the subject of the story. However, we replied that we'd be very happy to give him a write-up on his products, and why didn't he forward a Tommy Gun for review like all the other big companies send the gun writers test guns? He shot back with the notice that people in all walks of life in the U.S. write to him seeking to acquire Tommy Guns. "But, hampering our excellent potential business in this direction is the fact that their remains an additional payment of 'a so-called transfer tax above sale price; the 'tax' amounts to 200 per gun extra."

 

 

It is also unclear why INTERARMCO didn't buy and import these 60 Colts themselves as they were competitors with Numrcih in selling TSMGs to U.S. collectors as well.

 

INTERARMCO 1962 Ad

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Edited by Arthur Fliegenheimer
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"While we know INTERARMCO (the firearm importer/dealer that was forced to change their name to INTERARMS in 1966 due to a lawsuit) imported 60 Colt 1921A Thompsons from Ireland to the USA in 1956 at the behest of George Numrich, it isn't clear why Numrich required the import license of INTERARMCO to complete this transaction when by by his own claim he had import/export licenses."

 

How do we know this?

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"While we know INTERARMCO (the firearm importer/dealer that was forced to change their name to INTERARMS in 1966 due to a lawsuit) imported 60 Colt 1921A Thompsons from Ireland to the USA in 1956 at the behest of George Numrich, it isn't clear why Numrich required the import license of INTERARMCO to complete this transaction when by by his own claim he had import/export licenses."

 

How do we know this?

 

There was reference to the name change in the Deadly Business book, but I don't recall what it said or if there was a lawsuit involved, or if what's in there is correct? HTH

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There was reference to the name change in the Deadly Business book, but I don't recall what it said or if there was a lawsuit involved, or if what's in there is correct? HTH

 

Armco Steel Corp. v. International Armament Corp., 249 F. Supp. 954 (D.D.C. 1966)

District Court, District of Columbia

Filed: January 11th, 1966

Precedential Status: Precedential

Citations: 249 F. Supp. 954

Docket Number: Civ. A. Nos. 244-62, 3204-65

Judges: Jackson

 

"For the above reasons, the Court concludes as a matter of law that defendants' corporate name and trademark "INTERARMCO" is confusingly similar to plaintiff's corporate name and trademark "ARMCO", and that the ultimate consumers of defendants' goods are likely to be confused into mistakenly believing that the source or origin of the metal components of these goods was either plaintiff Armco Steel Corporation, or its Armco International Division, or both. Therefore, the Court holds that the defendants are liable for trademark infringement and for unfair competition due to their use of the name "INTERARMCO" to the extent that an injunction should immediately be issued to prevent future use of the name by defendants."

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Interesting. But not a complete answer.

 

How do we know INTERARMCO procured 60 Model of 1921 Thompson guns from Ireland in 1956 at the behest of George Numrich?

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TD,

You were speculating about INTERARMCO in these posts:

 

TD Posted 25 April 2017 - 10:54 PM

This only means the Numrich Arms Company owned and sold it at one time. It could easily be an import Thompson from the 1960's or 70's that was rebuilt at some unknown government depot before entering the commercial marketplace via Interarms or other such companies.

 

TD Posted 06 December 2018 - 11:37 AM

Numrich Arms could have easily purchased it from another importer - for example, Interarms.

 

TD Posted 05 November 2019 - 05:49 PM

This Auto-Ordnance Bridgeport (AOB) Thompson in the 134,000 serial number range was most likely imported by Interarms in the early 1960's and sold to Numrich Arms

 

 

GH has documented in his Thompson serial number periodical that INTERARMCO was the go between for Numrich to bring these 60 Irish Sword Colt TSMGs back to the USA. To satisfy your curiosity for confirmation, you might want to contact the Herigstad estate to see if you can get access to the purchasing agreement between Numrich and INTERARMCO for this transaction.

 

It is interesting that that some of the 60 Colts INTERARMCO got their hands on for George Numrich were in abysmal condition. It seems they were not part of the Kuwait shipment as board member Nick Tilotta purchased #651 in 1996. The condition of this Colt is described by GH:

 

"This serial number and most logos have been ground off receiver on both sides. To confirm serial number, Author removed barrel and gripmount. S/No. 651 was found. Original 1921 A barrel was missing. Some internal parts have been switched. Mismatched trigger frame No. 6459. Original wood refinished with brass tag on right side of stock No 661. Overall condition rough. GH 2/04"

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INTERARMCO/INTERARMS imported many many machine guns into the USA. Many were sold to other dealers, including Numrich Arms.

 

Can you please cite the page number(s) and specific edition in Gordons book for this information. It is not surprising INTERARMS purchased 60 Colts from Ireland. Also not surprising the condition of many/all these Thompson guns was poor, especially if they were former IRA guns. I want to see where the guns were purchased at the behest of George Numrich.

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If I am not mistaken, S/No 651 was one of the Model of 1921s discovered on the S.S. East Side, with its serial numbers intact.

 

If the over all condition is described as 'rough' sounds like an IRA gun, which spent more time underground in weapons caches than above ground, rather than an Irish Defense Force weapon which saw better treatment over the years being stored in an armoury.

 

Stay safe

Richard

Edited by rpbcps
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Perfect example of how George Numrich deliberately created confusion with BATFE Forms in the 50's/60's.

 

jim c 351 Posted 10 September 2012 - 04:24 PM

My Bridgeport 28A1 lists Numrich arms in the maker or importer block. Numrich did niether. Its a C&R. As a mater of fact the word Thompson does not appear on the form 4.

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Again, can you please cite the page number(s) and specific edition in Gordons book for this information. It is not surprising INTERARMS purchased 60 Colts from Ireland. Also not surprising the condition of many/all these Thompson guns was poor, especially if they were former IRA guns. I want to see where the guns were purchased at the behest of George Numrich.

 

Regarding Jim c 351s Thompson, why could it not be imported by Numrich Arms and still be a C&R machine gun? A Freedom if Information Act Request (FOIA) request would show the registration history. I dont see the confusion based on your post. Maker - no; Importer - yes. Certainly a possibility!

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Hi Jim,

I would like to see scans of the 3 earliest dated forms.

 

Send them to: tkd5501@fuse.net

 

I am still interested in the purported deal between Sam Cummings and George Numrich involving the Thompson guns from Ireland. Not that I am surprised; I believe they and other businessmen during this era (Service Armament & Potomac Arms) were all friends and did deals together.

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Tom,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

Unfortunately I don't do scans. I don't even know how to spell scans.

I received 3 early forms. 2 forms are so redacted the date is even blacked out.

 

The third form, form M-3153, has the following info,- 7/20/62, Thompson submachine gun,- serial no.,-AO-134963,- model 1928A1. Every thing else, pretty much unreadable. I wrote the following next to this form --Internation Armament Corp,-Alexandria, VA

 

The next form is a form 2. Its dated 7/27/67, and has the following info.

Numrich Arms Company.

West Hurley, N.Y.

Thompson SMG

1928A1

.45

AO134963NAC

 

The next form is a form 5, also dated 7/27/67 and has the following info.

Submachine gun

10 1/2 " long

model 1928A1

.45

serial no. AO134963NAC

 

The next form is a form 5, dated 6/July/ 1989

Hope this helps,

Jim C

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Jim,

I cannot offer an opinion without seeing the forms. You can also take a picture of all the forms you referenced above and send me the pictures.

 

I am curious what prompted you to write "Internation Armament Corp,-Alexandria, VA" on the form.

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Tom,

What prompted me was either Devine inspiration or I called the ATF and inquired about the unreadable forms.

Can't remember which, its been to long.

As far as going to the trouble of taking pics and sending them, only to be told you can't read them either. thanks but I'll pass.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Jim C

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Jim,

It sounds like you have a typical 1960s import Thompson. Without looking at the forms, I cannot decipher any clues as to parties. Bring the packet to TCA and I will have a look. And bring the gun too! I don't see anything nefarious by George Numrich as Arthur was alluding to. Actually, I am not sure the purpose of this thread since there is no documentation to support anything that has been claimed. However, I did like the GUN magazine story.

 

What is the title of the Form M-3153? Given the date, it would have to be an IRS form.

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Hi Jim,

I would like to see scans of the 3 earliest dated forms.

 

Send them to: tkd5501@fuse.net

 

I am still interested in the purported deal between Sam Cummings and George Numrich involving the Thompson guns from Ireland. Not that I am surprised; I believe they and other businessmen during this era (Service Armament & Potomac Arms) were all friends and did deals together.

 

During the mid 1990's I traveled to the DC area fairly frequently on Army business.

Sometimes I had the opportunity to visit Potomac Arms, Full Metal Jacket surplus and even the offices of Interarms.

During one afternoon by chance I met John Richards (of Potomac Arms)

http://gunlore.awardspace.info/gunknow/interarms.htm.

We had a great conversation out in the parking lot, among the nebelwerfers and torpedoes (that were on display)

He spoke of the relationship he had with Sam Cummings and Interarms.

Fascinating stuff! We stood there talking for well over an hour.

I also did business with John's son Mark (Full Metal Jacket)

They used to have some great stuff in their stores!

John passed away many years ago, but I remember he was a staunch supporter of the 2nd amendment and was very clear on that point!

I wish he would have written a book about Potomac Arms!

 

Richard

 

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If anyone has seen any photos of TSMGs being used by Kuwaiti forces in the late 1950's early 1960's it would surely help Numrich's 1960 claim he had a deal to supply the Sultan with them. When George discovered that the 60 Colt 1921As he payed INTERARMCO to import from Ireland were too seedy to be used for palace guards did the deal fall through?

 

1963 photo of the Sultan of Kuwait Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah palace guards with what appears to be British supplied Sterling L2A3 and L1A1 SLRs.

 

post-110-0-83395400-1596647055_thumb.jpg

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You do know WHEN some Thompsons got delivered they had been locked up in the royal armory for special occasion. they never had that occasion to use them.Some did get out to other spots in the world,even a nice Colt and a few military M1's and 1928 located in Iraq. Oh yeah in other parts of the world they have no idea what a form 4 3 or 5 is. go to the paki border arms bazaar and ask.

 

Afghan rebels have the same rules.It is a lot of hard research now because all the ones involved are gone.

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If anyone has seen any photos of TSMGs being used by Kuwaiti forces in the late 1950's early 1960's it would surely help Numrich's 1960 claim he had a deal to supply the Sultan with them. When George discovered that the 60 Colt 1921As he payed INTERARMCO to import from Ireland were too seedy to be used for palace guards did the deal fall through?

 

1963 photo of the Sultan of Kuwait Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah palace guards with what appears to be British supplied Sterling L2A3 and L1A1 SLRs.

 

attachicon.gif Kuwaiti Palace Guards May, 1963.JPG

 

Look like early MK 3 Sterlings and FN made FAL's.

 

Regards

 

AlanD

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Alan,

As you know, Kuwait was dependent upon the British to provide military ground and air support to protect their borders and supply arms from 1956 to 1966. The photos below from 1961's Operation Vantage show Kuwaiti soldiers with FN FALs. The palace guards above seem to be armed with the early 1954 FN FAL that the British were considering adopting for their own armed forces. Even the early L1A1s were produced by FN before production switched to British factories in 1957.

 

It seems implausible that the Sultan of Kuwait Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah would seek out Numrich to supply them with Colt 1921 Thompsons and or 1928 Savage/AO Thompsons when they had access to select fire FN FALs and Sterlings

 

post-110-0-09211800-1597076212_thumb.jpgpost-110-0-75752200-1597076460_thumb.jpgpost-110-0-43210400-1597076523_thumb.jpgpost-110-0-17277900-1597076470_thumb.jpg

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