30 replies to this topic

[tlturbo]

I had a mint Colt 21 that went through a house fire in 2000. We found it in the aftermath - no wood, pitted from water, etc. I transferred it to Class 2 guy who has had it for over 4 years and still doesn't have it done. No parts, can't find springs, etc. I'm tired of this and want my toy fixed and back. Any suggestions as to someone who can do this for me? Also concerned about heat damage to receiver.

Thanks

[deerslayer]

I can make you the wood and somebody like PK can probably do the rest. 4 years is way to long to be without your thompson.
Dan

thompsonstocks.com

[TSMG28]

tlturbo,

I agree with Deerslayer. Go with PK for the metal/mechanical work and Deerslayer for the wood. You may still have a bit of a wait as both of these gentlemen's services are in demand, but much less than you have already waited. Four years is WAY TOO LONG!!

Roger

[philasteen]

TLTurbo, there is also a Colt parts kit for sale around these parts which would let you replace a lot of the damaged parts with originals, including the wood.

Third for PK on the mechanical work.

[tlturbo]

Thanks guys,
But before I shell out a LOT of $$ to get it back original, I need to make sure that the receiver can be restored that well. If I am going to end up with a pitted, ratty looking shooter, I will just put other cheaper parts in it. I'm not sure just WHAT attempts to clean up the receiver this other guy has done.

That's the first question I need to resolve.

Thanks for the recommendations.

[TM76]

As long as it has 1921 on it you will not lose,
I seen one at the Creek ,that sold for $18,000 last April and the only thing that was original on it was the receiver,and it was bare metal.

See Ya
Tino

[tlturbo]

Well THAT is encouraging HA
I have contacted a few people that e-mailed me and I think I have a "road plan".

Thanks to all.

[ThompsonCrazy]

I would like to see some before photos to determine the extent of the damage(as painful as it may be).

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Actually it isn't the "1921" designation as much as the "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO." and the serial number stamping that is necessary to insure its cache.

[tlturbo]

I'm sorry to ask for help on this, but if someone would take the time to answer this for me, I'd greatly appreciate their time. Please feel free to e-mail me if you don't want to take up space on here with all this.

I talked to the guy restoring my Colt 21 and he said he has accumulated most of the parts and that they are Colt parts. What I want to know is just what parts on a 1921 COLT are COLT specific and how are they marked or identified. I don't want to pay for a Colt such and such if it isn't really a Colt part.

Sorry to be ignorant but I would really appreciate the help.

Also, how do I find out if my ser# is listed in the book you all keep mentioning that shows history of guns by ser #.

Many thanks to all.
Terry

[Ron A]

Provide the number and someone will look up the number for you.. Many of us have Gordon's books. Its a suprise that you dont know the history of a "mint" 21.

[tlturbo]

I bought the gun in 1975 from a place in Atlanta GA. They supposedly got it from Raiford State Prison in Stark, FL. The buttstock was stamped FSP for Florida State Prison. Back 30 years ago, I don't think anyone had done much research on serial numbers and I never bothered looking any harder.

Thanks - Terry

[Lancer]

The following numbers are listed to Union Correctional Institution Raiford, Fla. Is it one of these? 2183, 5112, 7595, 9527, 14717, 14806.

[tlturbo]

YEP - THERE IT IS. That is cool. I wonder when they got it and from where or if it was an original purchase?

Thanks a lot man.

Terry

[Ron A]

One would think if the receiver has not been overheated in the fire the parts other than the springs would be in ok. It is easy to tell if the bolt is Colt as well as most of the other main parts, the springs are something else, but over the years many springs have been replaced anyway.

It looks like you have a good idea where the gun started out - the serial number may add some additional knowledge. There was research done 30 years ago and your gun might be listed in Cox's book, was well as Gordon's book.

Did you purchase the gun from Cox? He called his company "Law Enforcement Ordnance Company" and he was located in Atlanta GA.

Many of us have the Cox price lists from that period and his list show numbers and in some cases where the guns came from.

Best of luck in getting your gun restored.

[Hawkeye_Joe]

God, I used to have one of those old "Law Enforcement Ordnance Company" catalogs and used to drool over the MG's in there years ago......

[First Sergeant]

Yep, I had one too; complete with drool !!

Haven't seen it in about 25yrs but I'm still looking for it.....................

Chuck

[tlturbo]

That PLUS the catalog of the guy in Arizona - Was his name J Curtis Earl or something like that?
I'd tell you what I paid for that 21 Colt back in 76 but you would suffer severe heart palpatations or worse. But if you had the catalog, you know what the prices were. If we'd only known, right?
I have wanted a MG42 since forever but will probably never get one (where did I put that lottery ticket?)

[21 smoker]

Hey,... I`ve got a BAR-A2 thats got "'Law Enforcement Ordnance Company" inscribed on the receiver next to the trigger assy ...does your 21 have that also? I`m wondering why they would write the name of the company on a firearm that they didn`t actually produce....

[tlturbo]

Nope - Maybe there was a legit company that made the BAR called that? Got me.

Terry