6 replies to this topic

[dalbert]

The aspect of our hobby that I find most enjoyable is looking back at the rich history of the Thompson. Of course, shooting the guns is always fun, also.

Sometimes, the history of Auto-Ordnance and the Thompson can be found in rather unlikely places. A good example of this is the 1941 National Horse Show Program I recently purchased. This was a large event held November 8-14, 1941, in New York, and the program is huge, with many period advertisements and articles. I bought it because I knew it had an Auto-Ordnance advertisement in it, which turned out to be the "Indispensable in Modern Warfare" ad that many folks have seen before. Here is a picture of the ad:



Here is a picture of the 1941 National Horse Show Program:



While looking through the program, I noticed a 2-page article with 3 different pictures, all of which included Thompson SMG's. I want to share it, because I doubt it is likely to be seen anywhere else. The article is titled "The Steel Cavalry," and was written by 1st Lt. William B. Arthur about the 4th Armored Division in New York. I especially like the reference to the "Peep" vehicle, since I'm also a Jeep fan. The two pictures on the last page have good Thompson photos, particularly the motorcycle photo. The article mentions that the 4th Armored had "6511 machine guns of .30, .45, and .50 caliber..." We are left to guess how many of the mix were Thompsons. Judging by the pictures, they seemed to like the Tommy Gun. The 4th Armored Division apparently had an exhibit at the Horse Show.





Any thoughts on the Horse Show Program, or the Cavalry article will be appreciated. The program has hundreds of names listed for people who were involved in the National Horse Show organization, and judges for the events. I have scanned it for Auto-Ordnance related names, thinking that advertising here might have been connected to involvement with the organization. I have not found a connection, yet.

Happy New Year!

David Albert
dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

[adlake]

David,

Great foot work. I would have never guess that. adlake

[giantpanda4]

Thanks Dave!

I get a kick out of the PEEP too. Does that mean AMC made Peeps and GM now makes Bummers?

It must be New Years Eve or something....

Happy New Year!

[inertord]

Neat find! It is interesting that AO would be directing this amount of advertising towards civilians in a 1941 Horse Racing Publication. Maybe it was a chance to gain attention from foreign dignitaries attending these events?

[bm59collector]

Funny thing, 40 years ago I worked down the street at Dictaphone on Railroad Ave (Bridgeport). If I remember correctly, that building was where Cosco was housed - they made the cigarette lighters for all the US auto manufacturers well up into the 80's. A area now where you'd need a Thompson to feel safe

[TD.]

David,
Excellent Find!!!

[dalbert]

QUOTE (inertord @ Jan 1 2007, 01:40 AM)

Neat find! It is interesting that AO would be directing this amount of advertising towards civilians in a 1941 Horse Racing Publication. Maybe it was a chance to gain attention from foreign dignitaries attending these events?

inertord,

The program does list and picture some foreign teams as participants. You are probably correct in your reasoning why Auto-Ordnance chose to advertise there. Thanks for your comment!

I was also thinking Maguire might have been a horse aficionado. Such an event might also have attracted the older line of military officers who made decisions regarding purchases. In any case, it's an intriguing place to advertise, and I thought the article was a great highlight.

David Albert
dalbert@sturmgewehr.com