wjwatson

I have dealt directly with Steave and found him to be top notch, honest and true. He does not deserve the arrows. W. J. Watson

My dear friends in Thompson World: I, as many others, have recently watched and read with great interest the threads of this board containing views and strong comments on innocent, long desired and awaited replicas becoming fakes, and later leading to fraud. Sometime ago I was searching for an original long slotted type, Thompson cleaning rod, to fit in the rod pocket of my original Thompson canvas case. I shared my quest by phone with Tracie Hill. He said he would sell me what I sought. When it arrived I was somewhat disappointed with the slot on the tip end, but considering the source from whence it came, I was happy to fill an empty void. I consider Mr. Gordon Herigstad to be one of my most highly valued friends, though I now only infrequently have the opportunity to see him. I have consistently admired his tireless persistence to locate, develop, and subsequently share with others interesting and valuable historical information. His efforts clearly demonstrate that honesty and attention to detail are not outmoded virtues. I was pleased when he, as a man of modest means was able to locate and finally acquire an unquestionably original FBI case which was complete with cleaning rod and spare parts container. Because of the scarcity of these items, his goal then became to accurately replicate the cleaning rod and spare parts box and offer them as replicas. I recently had the opportunity to acquire one of Gordon's replica rods, and knowing his demanding attention to detail compared it to my first rod (Tracie's). Rod left - Tracie's. Rod in middle - original. Rod on right - Gordon's. http://thompson.gotdns.com/the1930s/ygpB050.jpg Even the most casual comparison revealed significant differences. The slotted area which I initally questioned was entirely different on the rod I received from Tracie. I refer to the picture which I hope I was able to include. On Gordon's the ends of the slot are perfectly square and the slot is perfectly rectangular in shape measuring 5/8" X 3/32". The slot on my other rod (Tracie's) has rounded ends, and is not rectangular in shape. It also appears to me that, as the slot on my first rod was being milled, that the rod could have rotated in the milling vice, and the slot then appears to have twisted. The other clear difference from Gordon's replica is that, the "tip" on rod number one is noticeably bulbous, compared to the diameter of Gordon's replica of an original. I am concerned with these differences. Again, please refer to the picture. (I hope it makes it!) I am certain Gordon's demanding successful attention to detail is well recognized and accepted. As the subject of replicas, fakes and frauds is a popular subject now, I welcome any comments from the Thompson collectors world. I simply ask, from where did this first cleaning rod come, and which rod should I be happier with? I look forward to reading your comments. wjwatson

Lee, I have arrived home and have deleted all spam from my previously full mail box. I desire to purchase 2 NOS chamber brushes. Please contact me at DOC-WJ@webtv.net. Thanks, JIM