rpbcps
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Posts posted by rpbcps
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On 11/30/2025 at 1:14 PM, Bill in VA said:
Beautiful pair! Out of all the machine guns I own and/or have shot, the Sterling is my favorite. I almost think that if I’d bought my Sterling first, I would have never bought my TSMG, Uzi, etc. Mine is a CPS gun built on a virgin DLO Sterling tube.
Back in the early 1980's, I served in a British Army, as a radio operator in a forward observation post. My personal weapon, in that role, was a Sterling SMG. I recall, it was enjoyable emptying 34 rounds on full auto, on the ranges. We still wore DPM camouflage uniforms back then.
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Great find, congratulations. It always improves the pleasure of collecting, when we stumble on something we were not expecting.
Also confirms the importance of having a good source of information.
Roger Herbsts book is 2nd to none, as is Rogers knowledge, when it comes to information on Thompson magazines.
How many of you are now checking your Colt era patent date magazines, to check the witness hole orientation 🤔
🤣😂
Wishing you all, and your families, a pleasant Easter weekend.
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4 hours ago, John Dillinger said:
Here’s a stunning memorial to the Royal Marine Commandos at Spean Bridge in Scotland.Three Commandos (you can only see two of them from this angle) wearing their WW2 uniforms complete with caps (cap comforters) and ammo pouches. The second of the pair in view is armed with an unmodified horizontal foregrip 1928A1. You can also make out the quick release mechanism on the on the rear of the receiver.
Another view of the memorial from a different angle, showing the third commando.
With some beautiful Scottish landscape behind it.
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1 hour ago, Rekraps said:
And of all places... eBay?
Believe it or not, I won my canvas case & frame, on eBay back in Nov. 2012 for the princely sum of £55 ($88 at the time), incl. Shipping.
Sometimes you get lucky. ☘️
Back in June 2022, I was really lucky, only bidder on a 1st Edition 1921 AOC Handbook, like new condition for peanuts. A few months later, the same seller listed on eBay, and I won, again for peanuts, (well not literally), a Thompson Gun Model 1921-1923 Catalog, like new and I was the only bidder.
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While researching WW2 drum pouches, I found this topic.
Having done some reading on the subject, I believe RoscoeTurners list of US military contractors above, is correct, please correct me if I am mistaken. Must not overlook, what i have heard described as, "Reverse Lend- Lease" drum pouches made in Britain by B.H.&G in 1944. I have one if them in my collection.
R.M. Co and RUSCO is the same company, I believe. So does anyone know why they used two different company stamps, (R.M. Co & RUSCO), if indeed they did?
Which company produced the most, (most common drum pouch found), and which produced the least, (the drum pouches that are rarer to find, I presume)?
Thankyou.
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I wonder what the value is with the frame.
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21 hours ago, Balder said:
I made this many years ago, from left-over kitchen plates. Easy to make, I think it looks pretty decent.
-Balder
Balder,
That is excellent improvising, A+ from me.
The ability to survive depends on the ability to adapt, they say.
If you look at the first 'improvised display' in the post, I had no display stands. So for the next one, with a little more planning, I was improvising myself.If you look at the photo and post on the June 15, 2025, I made some crude, but effective, display stands for TSMGs fitted with XX mags. Made from spare wood l had lying around my garage, see subsequent posts, dated July 22 & 23, 2025. I also had two Denix display stands for the Model of 1921 and one of the Model of 1928's fitted with an 'L' drum, which are a good design. These clearly show the drum and their markings. I tried to find more Denix display stands in the UK, without success.
However, fellow forum member, cincylance, came to my rescue with his excellent display stands, for the next display. They are very discreet, but well made and sturdy. They don't distract from the Thompson guns iconic silhouette, fitted with the 'L' drum.
For the next display, I now have two cincylance display stands, so I can display the other two Model of 1928's, wth two more 'L' drums.
There is always room for improvement. 👌
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35 minutes ago, ppgcowboy said:
Nice display. Glad you scored a v mag.
Thanks ppgcowboy.
Now, how can the display be improved for the next time, is what I am thinking🤔
Continous development / improvement is what I am always striving for.
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I have already posted this photo on the Thompson message board, but thought it may be of interest to those interested in the BAR.
The 13th Half Brigade of the Foreign Legion, (13e DBLE), fought right through 2nd World War with the Free French Forces from 1940. They were based in England for a period of time, following their evacuation from Norway, following the battle of Narvik.
In this picture, legionnaires of the 13e DBLE, are parading in Dijon, France; following the liberation of the city in Sept. 1944.
The third rank of legionnaires are carrying BARs on their shoulders.
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Just downloaded / copied from the Blyth Battery Museum website:
Reopening for 2026
Blyth Battery’s reopening for the 2026 season was a tremendous success, welcoming an excellent turnout of visitors to both the museum and cafe.A standout highlight was the special limited-time event, “Tommy Gun Story,” presented by the American Thompson Association. This fascinating presentation proved extremely popular and was a memorable experience for visitors, adding something truly special to the start of the season.
They have asked me if I could plan another display for later in the season. That would give me the opportunity to try out Cincylances' excellent drum display stands.
Tracie, the TATA polo also got pride of place on one of the Manikins.
Note the 'V' marked 30 rnd mag on display too, top right of the 3rd photo. 🙏
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Today, I came across this picture, that i had not seen before. The 13th Half Brigade of the Foreign Legion, (13eDBLE), fought right through 2nd World War with the Free French Forces from 1940. They were based in England for a period of time, following their evacuation from Norway, following the battle of Narvik.
In this picture, they are parading in Dijon, France, in Sept. 1944. The first ranks are armed with M1A1's, with BARs in the rank following them.
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14 hours ago, Cincylance said:
Hi All,
I’m lowering the price to $30 shipped each (cont 48). Or two for $55 shipped. Have a few to sell.
Cincylance
I'd recommend these to anyone requiring discreet, but well produced stand for their Thompson.
I'm tempted myself, to buy a few more.
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Lance,
The stands arrived, too late for last weekends display, but ready for the next one.
Excellent work. These well made stands hold both my Model of 1921 and Model of 1928 and are very stable. I am confident they will withstand any possible 'bumps' at my usual display and other possible locations.
I'd recommend them to any Thompson gun owners, looking to display their guns.
A+ for Lance and thanks for taking the time to ship the stands across to me, much appreciated.
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11 hours ago, Frank I. said:
I posted this on the Reising Board, but I thought it would be of interest here as well, Federal Labs was also a Distributor for Thompson Submachine Guns.
Just about every Police Department in West PA had several Reisings, probably because Federal Labs, a large Police equipment distributor, was on 41st Street in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. They were also a distributor for Thompsons.
The late Gordon Herigstad took these pictures of the former Federal Labs building. That's Gordon's white Cadillac (with Oregon plates number 1921 A) sitting in front.
I added a few related documents; it appears that the first ad was (U.S.) pre-war, around 1940. The last document states Federal Labs sold 4,119 Thompsons.
10 hours ago, Taliaferro said:Nice Frank
Maybe this will help
Tracie
Frank & Tracie,
Excellent information. This is what I love about this forum, the knowledge and sharing of information is exceptional.
Quoting David Albert too "keep the Thompson history alive!".
Richard
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17 hours ago, John Dillinger said:
So we had a fabulous day at Blyth Battery Museum with Richard sharing his encyclopaedic Thompson knowledge with so many folk who paid the museum a visit and got to handle and operate our classic weapons.The kids in particular were so captivated by being able to cock & dry fire a Thompson and the BAR (under strict supervision and assistance) it was a treat to behold and yes it was sooo heavy!
Richards talks taking us from his 3 digit serial number 1921 right through to his 1928A1 and so many variations in between showing design changes along numerous transport cases,mag and drum variants,webbing types and so many other items of interest was so engrossing to so many interested folk. Along with the BAR I brought my 30 Cal and M3A1 to add a little more to the story.
The re enactment fellas set the scene nicely parked up outside the museum and drew in the crowds.I just wanted to say well done Richard for all your hard work I love your passion and knowledge.Absolute top job my friend 👌
Thank you for those kind words, I really enjoyed the weekend and your company. Loved your BAR too, that is a heavy weapon.
Tom,
It was good to share our knowledge with the visitors, and volunteers, at the Battery Museum. 'The Tommy Gun Story' was a popular exhibit once again.
Amazon.co.uk may get some orders for your 'Great Britain - The Tommy Gun story' book too. It was pointed out to many visitors, as a good source on the details of the Thompson in service with the British and commonwealth forces.
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On 3/18/2026 at 5:45 AM, rpbcps said:
Excellent space saving idea for Thompson display with a drum.
Looks more practical than the Denix display stands I will use for the 'show & tell' display, over the weekend at the Blyth Battery Museum.
Cincylance,
Although too late for this weekends display, after careful consideration, your simple pedestal display looks perfect for my requirements.
I'll PM you to confirm availabilty, and shipping cost to the UK.
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Excellent space saving idea for Thompson display with a drum.
Looks more practical than the Denix display stands I will use for the 'show & tell' display, over the weekend at the Blyth Battery Museum.
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1 hour ago, Cincylance said:
I just paid $100 for one last month. I don't think $900 is the going rate.
Hopefully not 👍
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3 hours ago, wv1928 said:
WOW ! THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND A GREAT DISPLY. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR COLLECTION. THANK YOU AGAIN.
Thankyou for your kind words.
It has been 31 years since I bought my first deactivated Thompson Model of 1928 which came with a well used Patent date XX magazine. Back then, I had very little knowledge of Thompsons and thought all I need is a 30 rnd & a drum magazine to complete my collection. Little did I know, I was going down a rabbit hole.
Indeed a few years ago, I began collecting Thompson paperwork, something more difficult to display. A small part of that collection is discussed in this topic.
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FUD,
Just saw the pictures, good to see it is a Colt era magazine, even if it has been refurbished.
As Tom Davis said in reply to your original post on this magazine, "The good news is losing a few hundred bucks in the Thompson community is something most of us have suffered when we first started collecting"
A few years ago now, a well known dealer in the U.S., who sold lots of rarer Thompson accessories and paperwork, contacted me to say he had a 'Colt era Patent date magazine with the witness holes soldered'.
He knew I had an interest in British related Thompson memorabilia, as I had bought from him before. So I trusted his knowledge and integrity and made the purchase, without asking for a photo.
When it arrived though, it was a more common 'Maguire Era Incorrect Patent Date (20/24) XX mag with soldered witness holes'. So I paid well over the market price for that one. Lesson learned..
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19 hours ago, Colt Chopper said:
I didn't realise that Colt era Patent Date magazines were selling for that price.
They were a lot cheaper when I bought mine, from fellow members of this board.
Back on 2018, I bought a like new, Colt era Shot Shell magazine from forum member joseph12297, for less than the Buy Now price, for that Colt Era Patent date on gunbroker.
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FUD,
What kind of '1921 stick magazine' is it? A 'blank', (no markings), or a patent date?
If you posted a photo, it might assist in identifying if it is a colt era magazine or a later Maguire / WW2 era magazine.
Blank magazines were produced for the Model of 1921's, but also during WW2. Likewise, there are different 'generations' of the patent date magazines.
I would recommend anyone who is investing in the more collectable Thompson magazines, purchase Roger Herbsts book, 'Thompson Submachine Gun Magazines: 1917-2021: Feeding The Dragon For Over A Century', which provides all the details and photos, anyone may require on Thompson magazines.
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There were a lot of magazines in packing for sale in the UK a few years ago. When opened, some of those magazines were badly corroded.
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Today I stumbled upon another impressive memorial, The Navy Memorial in Southsea, England. Complete with a M1928A1
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Us Military L Drum Pouch Contractors
in Thompson Submachine Gun Message Board
Posted
Just received a 1942 dated R.M.Co L drum pouch from the states.
Over all nice condition, and it was still cheaper, with shipping from the US and taxes, than buying one in the UK.
Just need to find a carry strap for it now.
So that is another L drum pouch added to my collection
a 1942 dated Avery..
BH&G British made ' Reverse lend lease
and a prewar, unmarked L drum pouch, bought from a member on this forum a while back.