
Original Finishes On WWII Thompson's
#1
Posted 30 August 2003 - 11:14 PM
Thanks
Roger
#2
Posted 31 August 2003 - 08:54 AM
#3
Posted 31 August 2003 - 06:40 PM
All WWII Thompsons, both M1928A1 and M1 variations were factory blued using a process called Dulite. Period. Phosphated guns are rebuilds.
This doesn't necessarily detract from the gun, as the rebuilds were carred out at U.S arsenals and overseas by FN. Serials will seldom match on phosphated guns as no effort was made to keep the originally matched frames and receivers together through the rebuild process.
#4
Posted 01 September 2003 - 11:55 AM
You'll note that the phosphate on your gun (if that's what it is; the original dulite was applied over sandblasting and can resemble phosphating) probably extends to the barrel and compensator. Cutts turned out no phosphated compensators. They were furnished finished in blue and assembled into complete weapons by AOC or Savage. Same story with barrels. None were produced in phosphate during WWII. Each piece of each gun was made and then finished prior to final assembly, which is why you see so many small variations in finish on each piece of an original Dulite gun.
On your gun, the phosphating may be a very even in color on the comp, barrel, and receiver, as these componants were most likely not disassembled prior to refinishing.
Much the same thing has happened with WWII trench guns, most notably the Winchester M12. All were produced with a high polish commercial grade blued finish, but many were refinished after the war with phosphate finishes. As the refinishing process (part of a through overhaul) was done at US arsenals and was of very high quality (as with TSMGs), many of us naturally believed that the phosphate was original. Factory records uncovered in more recent research confirm otherwise.
I hope Nick or Frank will weigh in on this one. Take care!
#5
Posted 01 September 2003 - 06:40 PM
BB
#6
Posted 02 September 2003 - 12:45 AM
Pat
0-1-25
#7
Posted 06 September 2003 - 05:39 PM
Your Thompson sounds just like my Auto Ordnance Bridgeport 1928 AC Thompson. The only markings on my gun are as follows. On the top of the receiver is the Thompson Bullet logo, The right side of the receiver is marked Auto-Ordnance Corporation Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA, still on the right side of the receiver under the rear sight it is marked US Patents and bunch of numbers. The left side of the receiver is marked Thompson Submachine Gun Calibre .45 Automatic Cartridge and Model 1928 AC No. AO1357XX. The US was ground off as well as the 1 and restamped C. Both the upper receiver and lower receiver have matching serial numbers. There are pictures of this gun on the picture board.
Thanks
Roger
#8
Posted 06 September 2003 - 11:05 PM
Thanks for you information. I am not sure what the military acceptance marks look like so I cannot tell for sure that the gun doesn't have them. Also what I meant by the picture board is the Thompson photo gallery on this board. Sorry I should have been more clear about that statement.
Thanks
Roger
#9
Posted 07 September 2003 - 03:53 PM
#10
Posted 07 September 2003 - 05:47 PM
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Posted 07 September 2003 - 08:12 PM

#12
Posted 07 September 2003 - 08:21 PM

#13
Posted 07 September 2003 - 09:37 PM

#14
Posted 08 September 2003 - 09:36 PM
#15
Posted 09 September 2003 - 11:58 AM
LOL I think I need some of that therapy and will make an effort to get some soon.
Thanks for the tonic.

#16
Posted 10 September 2003 - 09:14 PM
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Posted 10 September 2003 - 10:29 PM

#18
Posted 10 September 2003 - 10:52 PM
#19
Posted 10 September 2003 - 11:11 PM
#20
Posted 11 September 2003 - 08:08 AM