rpbcps Posted July 23, 2017 Report Share Posted July 23, 2017 (edited) Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to come across Richard Karlsson, a Thompson enthusiast based in Sweden. Richard had some interesting items for sale, including a British recoil spring tool he had bought from a contact in Norway, which I bought from him. At the time, I also bought from Richard a reprinted copy of the Swedish language handbook, produced by Auto-Ordnance Corporation (AOC) in 1940 dated to accompany the 500 Model of 1921's bought by the Swedish Government. I was more than happy with the quality and price paid for all the items, the original Swedish handbooks are as difficult to find as 'Rocking Horse poop'... For those of you who have access to it, the story of Swedish Manuals is provided in Tom Davis's article on the subject, 'Swedish Thompson Manuals', published in the Small Arms Review in 2011. Over the years, I lost contact with Richard Karlsson, but last week I noticed someone in Sweden was selling another Swedish language Thompson manual on eBay for less than $20. This was a reprint of the 1941 Thompson manual printed for the Swedish military in Sweden, so it would compliment my Swedish Language AOC handbook bought many years ago. The same seller also lists reprints of the two different, (English language), versions of the L & C drum instruction cards, selling for the princely sum of $2.49 + shipping. Putting two & two together, I guessed the seller may be Richard Karlsson, and I was correct. So I just ordered a copy of the manual from him, he is a gentleman to deal with. As Swedish Thompsons are a current topic, due to the new book that has recently been published, I thought some of you may be interested in the Swedish handbook / manuals. If anyone is interested, Richard still has a few copies of the reprinted Swedish manuals and also some of the reprinted Swedish language AOC handbooks left for sale, as well as the Drum instruction cards. If interested, PM me and I can give you Richards email address. Stay safeRichard Edited July 23, 2017 by rpbcps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpbcps Posted July 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2017 The reprinted copy of the Swedish Manual arrived today, very nice addition to the collection, until I find an original copy to replace it :-) Stay safe Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD. Posted July 29, 2017 Report Share Posted July 29, 2017 rpbcps,I have been looking for an original of that Swedish manual for years. If my memory serves me correct, I only know of two in existence. Your observations about Richard Karlsson are spot on. Richard provided me with the initial documentation I used to begin my research for the story, Colt Thompsons in Swedish Service. He is a pleasure to deal with. I will have a copy of this manual for sale on my table at the All Thompson Show & Shoot this upcoming weekend for those that would like to take a look. All good stuff!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpbcps Posted September 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2021 (edited) Richard Karlsson has just sent me a new item he has produced, a badge in the style of the current issue Swedish army qualification badges, with hook and loop backing, but features the Swedish contract Thompson 1928, the M/40. It is a good quality badge, if anyone is looking for something like that. Stay safe Richard Edited September 27, 2021 by rpbcps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reconbob Posted October 1, 2021 Report Share Posted October 1, 2021 One of my favorite Doug Richardson stories - Doug used to routinely travel toEurope and he had some standard stops with arms dealers/enthusiasts and oneof the things he always asked this one guy (don't know who) was if he had, or couldfind any of the recoil spring tools. It got to the point where the guy knew that Dougwould always ask. Then, on one trip the guy said to Doug: "I know, I know...did I find anyrecoil spring tools"....(pause for effect)..."and YES! I found them!" and they both laughed.So Doug brought them back and there are some left and I am selling them for $25 ea.+ $4 postage. You can reach me direct at Philaord@aol.com. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyDixon Posted October 1, 2021 Report Share Posted October 1, 2021 does this guy in sweden have an g-mail that we might contact him to order some stuff ?? just askin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
720 Posted October 1, 2021 Report Share Posted October 1, 2021 Received mine earlier this week. It is really nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpbcps Posted October 2, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2021 does this guy in sweden have an g-mail that we might contact him to order some stuff ?? just askin check you PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpbcps Posted October 2, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2021 (edited) One of my favorite Doug Richardson stories - Doug used to routinely travel toEurope and he had some standard stops with arms dealers/enthusiasts and oneof the things he always asked this one guy (don't know who) was if he had, or couldfind any of the recoil spring tools. It got to the point where the guy knew that Dougwould always ask. Then, on one trip the guy said to Doug: "I know, I know...did I find anyrecoil spring tools"....(pause for effect)..."and YES! I found them!" and they both laughed.So Doug brought them back and there are some left and I am selling them for $25 ea.+ $4 postage. You can reach me direct at Philaord@aol.com. BobNice price, I wish I had found mine at that price. Are these British WD marked, or Norwegian Navy marked? Here is an old post on this topic: Recoil Spring Tool - Thompson Submachine Gun Message Board - MachineGunBoards.com Forums All the bestRichard Edited October 2, 2021 by rpbcps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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