docwjw1

Next month, I will be celebrating 89years! The year's have taught me to NEVER give up hope! I still have #2976. I would greatly appreciate any leads to pursue to possibly solve the "Joe Green" mystery! Thanks, Jim Watson. Cell # 480-272-1144. Email. docwjw@cox.net

These are the important pictures of the AKA Joe Green Colt. The serial numbers on the trigger frame have been removed in the same manner. ANY help in finding it's true history will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, WJW

I still have hope to discover more historical information on my Colt1921A, serial #2976. The exposed serial numbers have been removed and it now has IRS 6377 D stamped. The true number was revealed when Gordon Herigstad removed the barrel. The earliest approved transfer information I have been able to obtain shows it was transferred on an ATF FORM 3, approved 18 August 1981 to Robert Thomas Spengel, Scottsdale, Arizona (now deceased), from Kiesler Police Supply, Inc. P.O. 98 Hwy 150 Greenville, Indiana 47124. I have attempted to Contact Douglas M. Kiesler, Pres. Kiesler Police Supply several times, without success. I have not given up hope in the search of finding more interesting history of this Colt and will appreciate ANY help or suggestions. Jim Watson, Cell # 480-272-1144 Email docwjw@cox.net

I still have hope to hear from someone who may have any information on the original purchase of this Thompson or any information on "Joe Green" or anyone who may have used that name as an alias. Thanks, WJW

1921 gansta, Private message sent.

Gordon was a TRUE friend for over 45 years. His many projects (all successfully micromanaged) were done to benefit others, not himself. I will miss him everyday. True Friend, Rest In Peace, Jim Watson

18 pounds of terrific effort arrived this morning and is outstanding!

Thanks, I appreciate any and all help. I am certain this could prove to be an interesting Thompson, especially with the 3 "C" drums noted in original purchase record. How could I contact Chuck S. ? Thanks, WJW

I need your help. I am seeking information about the person who used the name Joe Green (a possible AKA), address not listed. He purchased Colt Thompson, model 1921A #2976, which I own, from Von Lengerke & Antoine, 33 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago Illinois 16 July 1925 along with three (3) 100rd. drum magazines. The purchase is noted in the records of the Chicago Coroner's office relative to an investigation made by a Coroner's Jury into the 1929 Chicago, Valentine's Day Massacre. ANY information or possible leads to pursue will be greatly appreciated.

How did you arrive at this unique evaluation about "acceptance"? Since most surviving Colt TSMG in the NFA registry were initially sold to a PD, collectors are in a command position to purchase the best condition of these examples which are sans the permanent PD markings on the receiver/frame. For the last 30+ years, the absence of a PD's moniker permanently emblazoned on a Colt TSMG did not confound the buyer/collector as to which PD was the original AOC customer. The advent of Cox's 1982 book along with the recent contributions of Herigstad and Richardson regarding serial numbers, only serve to further diminish value of examples so marked. compared to unmarked examples in similar condition. These PD markings have always been a scar on the Colt TSMG complexion , but for the last 30+ years, they are superfluous as well. There are those who search for "Safe Queens" and those who search for firearms which may have served a useful purpose. While both may represent history, I for over 60+yrs. have been one of the latter. Be thankful there is something for everyone. One must realize though that we are just temporary custodians of our individual treasures and should respect and treat them well. WJW

Thank you for your reply, You have provided the information to solve my puzzle! At this point, I would guess that Nassau Co. placed inventory plates on a whole host of items: desks. typewriters, file cabinets, and assorted Police Departments equipment. I hope that someone else out there can share information to support that thoiught. Thanks again for your help, WJW

You ansewered before I was able to post the picture. I am interested in information on stocks with the same brass plates. I am curious about who probably purchase a group of guns and then desired to place the plates Funny. I saw your post on another board and tried to answer but I didn't fully understand your question. As I get it now, you're wondering who did the plates. My guess would be a PD. On a long shot, if the number is an actual Colt SN it might lead to the organization that purchased the gun. Gordon's SN book might help. You mention a similar plate with a number a few digits away from this one. That leads me to believe that the number is just an item inventory number rather than a firearm serial number. It's worth a try though otherwise you'll have to hope someone recognizes the plate. Good luck. Bob D Bob, I think you are finally understanding the question. The number on the stock is not the serial number of the gun. As far as can be determined, the PD who had my gun only had 2 Colt Thompsons and only marked the frames. The other gun I know about with an identical plate with a number 4 digits from mine did not begin life as a PD gun and never was one. Gordon recently stayed 2 nights with me and questions about these plates arose during his stay. There must be additional plates out there. Again, my question regards the who, what, when, why, and where about them. Gordon is responsible for the question I have posted on this board. I hope my question is clear now and I hope someone will be able and willing to provide some help. WJW

That is my question! Who put the 2 plates on that I am aware of? Mine is on a PD marked gun and I am certain it is not the original stock which was on the gun when it was purchased by the PD. The gun has had several owners since purchased by the PD. This is the stock that was on the gun when I acquired it years ago. The other marked stock I wrote has a different background and I believe it was not on the gun when purchased by the original purchaser. There have to be other similar plate out there which could offer the answer to my original question. WJW

Darryl, The stock and metal butt plate were numbered prior to fitting and finishing. They were then separated and after finishing were reassembled. The same system was practiced with Colt percussion arms and on early cartridge handguns. They are only considered assembly numbers and have no relation to serial numbers. The number on the loading gate of Colt single actions matches the assembly number under the trigger guard, not the serial number. WJW

You ansewered before I was able to post the picture. I am interested in information on stocks with the same brass plates. I am curious about who probably purchase a group of guns and then desired to place the plates

During their lives many Colt Thompsons have had their butt stocks switched. I have a police marked gun with a switched stock. This stock has a very professionally made brass plate marked H1653. I know of a similarly marked stock marked 4 digits away. I suspect this other stock may also be a switched one as both guns started with different original purchasers. There must certainly be more stocks similarly marked. Can anyone shed any light on this situation? http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh526/docwjw/photo.jpg

I am surprised no one has mentioned what appears to be a significant bulge in the barrel just forward of the support above the grip. An abused worn gun.

#4208 Not only abused and well worn, but also appears to have a major bulge in barrel just forward of the grip mount. Wonder if barrel is open.