6 replies to this topic

[Bob B]

I'm putting together a reference folder covering everything I can find on the Thompson, from earliest prototypes through late wartime models, from magazines and special ammo to various accessories. An important part of this effort is focused on identifying and downloading all relevent patents from the USPTO archives. Unfortunately, all the USPTO search features (except for the number search) are disabled for patents earlier than 1975, so unless one knows the patent number the file can't be accessed.

I've had some success reading the (quite small) patent numbers from web images and old Curtis Earl halftone photos, but more often than not the focus and resolution of the magnified images are just too poor to do anything but guess.

The Model 1928 lists 13 patent numbers on the right rear of the receiver (as opposed to just patent dates on other models). I've managed to decipher or lucky-guess ten of them, but the remaining three are just too blurred. This is what I've got so far:

U.S. PATENTS
1,131,319 1,352,414
1,33*,*** 1,357,208
1,340,891 1,363,809
1,340,943 1,403,623
1,347,754 1,4**,***
1,349,345 1,4**,***
1,817,321

Would some kind '28 owner have a look and fill in the blanks for me?

I'm also interested in other Thompson-related patents - whether for drums, box magazines, compensators, sights or the like that anyone can provide. Of course if someone already has this kind of comprehensive list that would be even better!

If anyone's interested, I'll make PDFs available when the job is done if I can find a place that'll host them (wink wink).

Thanks in advance.

Bob

[Sig]

There is a book of Thompson patents? Might be useful for your project.
"The complete book of Thompson Patents" compiled by Donald G. Thomas. Desert Publications, 1980

I have not reviewed that book but I also know that Doug Richardson's book(s) on stick mags and drums have patent information as well.

[Merry Ploughboy]

For numbers listed, complete number is: 1,338,866; 1,406,546; and 1,408,276.

FYI, pre 1976 full electronic search capability is available using the USPTO EAST system (the system used by the USPTO Examiners) at the USPTO in D.C. or at a Depository Library at the cost of $80 per hour.

Best of luck.

[Bob B]

Thanks for the numbers, Merry Ploughboy! Really appreciate your taking the time to check for me. That USPTO East system sounds good, but at $80/hour ... Great for patent attorneys but maybe a little rich for a home library reference folder.

Sig, haven't been able to locate any reference to that book so far - all searches come up empty. Maybe I'll try an inter-library-loan request and see if that turns it up.

Thanks again, and still looking for ANY Thompson-related patent numbers.

Bob

[John Jr]

QUOTE

I'm putting together a reference folder covering everything I can find on the Thompson, from earliest prototypes through late wartime models, from magazines and special ammo to various accessories.

Buy Hill's book, Frank's book and the Richardson Books. Cook for several hours on low.

Then add a dash of Helmer's book and a heaping of the Cox book. Sprinkle on the Cox supplement and microwave for 20 minutes on high.

Let cool and serve over a bed of new 45 ACP rounds. Throw in a shot of gun oil for taste.

[Sig]

Bob
Tracie Hill references that book in his book.
michael

[Merry Ploughboy]

Bob B,

Other patent numbers you may find of interest include: 1,817,321 (the "added" patent number); 1,350,619; 1,350,646; and 1,365,234 (three box mag patents); and 1,347,755 (drum mag patent).

Enjoy the history.