16 replies to this topic

[Emmagee]

I know a small number of '28's were marked "Tommy Gun" on the top of the receiver for copywrite purposes, but does anyone know approx. how many? Is this a relatively rare variant or are they fairly common? Thanks!

[full auto 45]

I believe I heard or read somewhere that about 10-15% were marked that way. Not many though.

[SecondAmend]

Trademark (to show actual use in commerce) not copyright.

[hawksnest]

I heard the same guestimate as stated by Full Auto 45, but as Paul Harvey would say, now for the rest of the story, most were lend lease Thompsons, and the U-boats sent many of them to the bottom.

I am lucky enough to own S-165xxx.

[Murray]

I have owned two 1928A1's marked "Tommy gun". I currently own one really nice one, a Savage S184489. I did own another Savage which was "Tommy Gun" stamped but I was forced to sell it during the worst dark days of our battle with the NZ IRD (IRS).
It was unique as it was New Zealand Army marked. I have seen others here also. The NZ guns were not lean lease and I understand were purchased direct from Auto Ordanace.

[Balder]

Gentlemen,

Some sources state that at least 100,000 guns needed to be marked "Tommygun" in order for it to be a legitimate trademark. According to these sources, guns between S-160381 and S-260016 have this marking.

Regards,

Balder

[rkr]

My savage serial # 185757 is so marked.

[Phil Askew]

My Savage is marked that way also S244XXX.

[TNKen]

Ding ding ding!! Price check on aisle 28. Mobile PD AO '28 has had a price increase!!!

Thanks,

Ken

[Charlie]

My Savage 1928 "STHOMPSON" (mis-marked), ser. S-203xxx is also marked TOMMYGUN on top. So I guess I can be in the club, too, huh? Whoopee!!!!

[hawksnest]

Welcome to the club Charlie. Unlike those elitists who have factory white lettering (or the scarcer factory yellow lettering) we select few who own "tommy gun" are not braggarts.

[blishblock]

I have 2 with "Tommy Gun" marks. S-202xxx and S-239xxx. I have seen 10 to 15 others in my travels over the last 25 years, both here and in Europe.
One was in a commercial shooting range with a broken (that's right --worn out and cracked) blishblock of all things. I found them a new one.

[John Jr]

Mine is Tommy Gun marked AND British Proofed! 245163 is my number. Not every gun between 180k and 260K is marked as such. I have seen some that were not marked with that designation.

[blishblock]

I didn't know that we were in the British Proof game. S-239xxx is British Proofed. Came from R Cox himself in the '70's in his first great police dept sweep.

[John Jr]

My number is higher than yours!!! I still win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wayne W]

S-2514xx doesn't have Brit proofs but it does have the TOMMY GUN.

Engraved on the side is Property of BRITISH ROLA.

A little research turned up that it was an offshoot of the ROLA company in the USA that made loud speakers in the 1930s. During WW2 they also made vacuum and hydraulic pumps.

www.celestion.com/history/1930s.html

No mention is made of them having Thompson SMGs though.

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Ron,
No proofs, not even an Auto-Ord employee "JHB."