
Drum Information Needed
#1
Posted 06 January 2004 - 10:26 PM
Auto-Ordnance Corp.
New York N.Y. U.S.A.
Patented July 27 1920 Dec. 7 1920
The winding side says:
Magazine Type "L" Thompson Submachine Gun 50 Cartridges Cal 45
For 1921 Model Wind to 11 Clicks
For 1928 Model Wind to 9 Clicks
Can someone tell me what its value is. I can supply pictures if necessary.
Thanks
#2
Posted 07 January 2004 - 09:20 AM
#3
Posted 07 January 2004 - 10:06 AM
The drum is more than likely a mid-thirties production Worcester Press made drum for the Colt Thompsons.
Post some pictures and we can definitely help you with it.
#4
Posted 07 January 2004 - 12:04 PM
#5
Posted 07 January 2004 - 05:44 PM





#6
Posted 07 January 2004 - 06:42 PM
You may want to do a search and see an earlier extensive discussion on on this subject.
Search Subject Drum and Member Sig (any time period) or try this link if it works.
drum discussion
My impression is this is a Colt based with the comma after the N.Y., being my guide. The rotor looks kinda dark in the picture it should be nickel type finish not black to be original. The Worcester drums noted New York, N.Y. where Colt had New York N.Y., from what I see in Doug Richardson's book on the subject. Colt drums should have a nickel internal rotor where Worcester's were black oxide finished.
I claim to be no expert your mileage may vary! Seriously take a lot of opinions on this subject not just mine please if you are thinking of buying.
#7
Posted 07 January 2004 - 07:50 PM
#8
Posted 07 January 2004 - 07:51 PM





PS: On second inspection, I see that there are spot welds on both front and back covers, indicating Colt lineage. It appears to be a nice drum! I'd venture to put a price of $2,000-$2,300 on this drum. Also, you might want to get some differently angled shots of the internals to reduce the glare and clearly show that it is, indeed, a Nickel rotor. Arthur, I think you are right, about this Drum, because of the spot welds (went back and checked the old discussion) and the "5," from".45" is under the "g." Note: There does, however, appear to be some difference of opinion about the spot welds, whether they indicate Worcester or Colt, between Tracie Hill and Doug Richardson.
#9
Posted 07 January 2004 - 08:17 PM
#10
Posted 07 January 2004 - 09:13 PM
Spot welds are very pronounced on Worcester drums BUT Colt drums still have spot welds.
#11
Posted 07 January 2004 - 10:16 PM



#12
Posted 07 January 2004 - 10:20 PM


#13
Posted 07 January 2004 - 10:44 PM
#14
Posted 07 January 2004 - 10:57 PM
Jr
#15
Posted 07 January 2004 - 11:01 PM


#16
Posted 07 January 2004 - 11:26 PM
Thanks again for your help. Have a happy and prosperous New Year!
#17
Posted 07 January 2004 - 11:32 PM







#18
Posted 08 January 2004 - 12:13 AM
If you were to polish the rotor, you would not be compromising its originality, you would merely be revealing the actual nickel, if that's what is underneath. This is not a patina issue, since the component resides inside the drum, and is part of the drum's mechanical function. Polishing, or restoring the luster of a Colt nickel bolt, or Navy actuator cannot impact value. This is not comparable to refinishing the Colt stocks and grips that have accumulated all the character from being exposed to the different people handling the weapon over the last 80+ years.
John Jr,
$400 will get you a slightly dented WH drum.
#19
Posted 08 January 2004 - 12:16 AM





#20
Posted 08 January 2004 - 12:28 AM
A refinish implies replacing an original finish with another. Cleaning a piece of metal to reveal the original finish (in this case bright nickel) is just that. Since they apply that method to the Sistine Chapel, I doubt John T. himself would balk at it being applied to his namesake weapon.