I found this auction on gunbroker. Has anybody ever seen a winding key like the one on this drum?
http://www.gunbroker...p?Item=30832496

Strange Winding Key
Started by
Lancer
, Apr 18 2005 09:05 AM
5 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 18 April 2005 - 09:05 AM
#2
Posted 18 April 2005 - 09:14 AM
Lancer,
It is not the original winding key. It is obviously some sort of home-made fabrication. The drum itself, appears to be in poor shape based on the amount of pitting on the face plates.
It is not the original winding key. It is obviously some sort of home-made fabrication. The drum itself, appears to be in poor shape based on the amount of pitting on the face plates.
#3
Posted 18 April 2005 - 11:57 AM
Looks like a Worcester non-numbered drum with a Bridgeport cover, but the key....never seen one like it.
It DOES look somewhat more wellmade than a homemade effort...maybe a prototype of some kind?
Anybody's guess....
john
It DOES look somewhat more wellmade than a homemade effort...maybe a prototype of some kind?
Anybody's guess....
john
#4
Posted 18 April 2005 - 12:11 PM
QUOTE (john @ Apr 18 2005, 11:57 AM) |
It DOES look somewhat more wellmade than a homemade effort...maybe a prototype of some kind? |
John,
I don't think it would be a prototype. The early winding keys are identical to the WWII variety drums. I think someone with some knowledge of metal fabrication made the key to replace the lost original.
The drum appears to be an early variation made just prior to WWII and the more common drums with the Thompson bullet logo. The recent Thompson Newsletter had an excellent article by Tracie Hill explaining the various drum variations manufactured right after Russell Maguire took ownership of Auto-Ordnance.
#5
Posted 18 April 2005 - 12:14 PM
QUOTE (john @ Apr 18 2005, 11:57 AM) |
It DOES look somewhat more wellmade than a homemade effort...maybe a prototype of some kind? |
I was thinking the same thing. Also noticed that the tabs on the key would seem to indicate it was meant to be wound counter-clockwise.
#6
Posted 18 April 2005 - 05:06 PM
Left handed winder on a right handed drum? Wonder what the reserve is?