
Drum Value Question
#1
Posted 09 April 2004 - 07:13 PM
Sorry, here is the best info I can get right now. On the data plates front and rear there are no strengthening ribs pressed in to the metal, they are essentialy flat except for the ridges that engage the receiver. It has two 1920 (or 1920's, he was not clear) patten dates. It is marked wind to 11 clicks(?).
Not being a drum god I am not really sure what to ask or what to look for, but this is all I have so far.
Hawksnest thanks for the quick reply.
Thanks
Chris
#2
Posted 09 April 2004 - 07:37 PM
#3
Posted 10 April 2004 - 04:56 PM

#4
Posted 10 April 2004 - 05:21 PM
If you are a collector as well as a shooter you will pay more for the hobby and purchase a 28 or if possible a 1921.
If you are in the first group you can put your cap fireing toy in a paper grocery sack to take to the back yard to shoot - or the second type you could spend $2,000 - 2,500 for an original hard case.
This board has people of all interests from cap fireing to collectors of early Thompsons and each have their place here.
In my case I would run not walk to the person who will sell the early drum for $800.00
#5
Posted 10 April 2004 - 10:45 PM
I've got 7 drums. Oh and 40 XXX mags and about 20 xx mags. The most I gave for one of my drums was $800 for my WH "C" drum. If you have a gun that takes the drum, you have got to have a drum. It just don't get no better then that.
See what I mean.
50 rounds drum dump video
#6
Posted 11 April 2004 - 12:39 AM
Once you start, it is hard to stop. I have met Mike and I can see all the tell tale signs! big black round pupils with wind to 11 clicks in them, teeth that click like the winding key and he is not even "L" years old yet!.
I have 11 drums and am nearly bankrupt. especially when mike kept finding me more at the SAR show last winter.
Seriously though. Drum collecting is a sub culture all of it's own. Read Doug Richardson's 120 page book on drums and you are hooked.
It is all to do with the difference between collecting Thompsons and Shooting them, but a nicely Mearle adjusted and greased 100 West Hurly will give you just as big as buzz as a matching numbered Colt drum when you pull the trigger.
By the way Mike, great vidio clip, I have just about worn your barrel out playing it over and over.
On prices, some thought I was crazy paying more than $800 for a mismatched 1928 colt /Bridgeport drum I got from G&G at Prescott but!! at home in New Zealand I new I had the same mismatched drum in the opposite sides. I got two great matched drums as the result.
kind regards
#7
Posted 11 April 2004 - 08:38 AM
Now if this video doesn't give you a smile, then you need to sell your gun!
50 Rounds of Pure Joy
#8
Posted 11 April 2004 - 09:25 AM
#9
Posted 11 April 2004 - 10:34 AM

#10
Posted 11 April 2004 - 11:10 PM
I'm glad I got my WH....
http://www.gunbroker...p?Item=17266359
#11
Posted 11 April 2004 - 11:37 PM
Even with the dent, it was an early drum. Much more pricy than L drums that that are not mil spec. You get what you pay for. (I know 2K is way too much for a drum like this, but you have to figure the collectability issue I guess). Strange thing in this auction, the buyer was a NR bidder. I have never liked bidding against a NR bidder.
Jr
#12
Posted 12 April 2004 - 12:42 PM

#13
Posted 12 April 2004 - 01:18 PM

#14
Posted 12 April 2004 - 09:12 PM
Yes, the drum did cost more than the 27 that it mounts under, but I consider it as part of my growing collection of Thompson related items. I also invested in an X drum, and a handful of XX and XXX magazines.
If by some stroke of luck the ban would sunset, I'll jump on a AO/Kahr L drum as well.
I saw AO L drums at a show that appeared very clean being offered at $750 each.
IMHO, I feel the one sold this time was way over priced. Unless of course it had a proven documented history with it.
Looking at the companies on-line that offer Thompson parts it is obvious that they are getting more difficult to acquire.
It also could be a great marketing plan to keep the prices climbing by allowing very small quantities out at a time.. I've seen this frequently in the reptile business, but that's a whole different board...

#15
Posted 13 April 2004 - 10:22 AM
QUOTE |
That one that sold on gunbroker is not exactly "a drum like the one mentioned here." |
I never said it was exactly like the one mentioned here.. but it is very similar, yes??

NY NY stamped, not sure about the nickled follower, no ribs in the metal, has two dates...1920...11 clicks....Sounds like the one mentioned to me....
QUOTE |
what a NY NY marked L drum with a nickled follower is worth |

QUOTE |
On the data plates front and rear there are no strengthening ribs pressed in to the metal, they are essentialy flat except for the ridges that engage the receiver. It has two 1920 (or 1920's, he was not clear) patten dates. It is marked wind to 11 clicks(?). |

#16
Posted 13 April 2004 - 11:14 AM
#17
Posted 21 April 2004 - 03:31 AM
I have one identical. The clue is the "C" of the cal on cover side.
On the Colt Drum, the "C" lies between the C & H in machine gun on the line above, while on the Worchester drum, the "C" lies directly under the H on the line above. That is the only known difference.
Regards
Murray.

#18
Posted 21 April 2004 - 07:52 AM
Right you are! The other difference is the comma after the N. Y., U.S.A. The Worcester drums that I have seen are missing the comma after N.Y. U.S.A. The drum that sold on Gunbroker is a very collectible drum.
#19
Posted 21 April 2004 - 08:53 AM
#20
Posted 21 April 2004 - 09:10 AM