Balder

...and another

A close-up Balder

Hi all, I have an M-1928 made by Savage, one of the first 10,000 to be shipped to the UK early in 1940. It has seen some action both during and after the war. I am considering whether to try to restore it or not. It works just fine but I think it would look good with new blueing (they were blued, not parkerized, right?) and the wood needs some attention as well. Granted that the project turns out successful, would such a restoration do anyhting to its collectability? If I go ahead, should I try to do the blueing myself or is it better left with a pro? What should I use on the wood? Any ideas and suggestions are highly appreciated! Balder

Arthur, Most of what we had of "heavy water" in its true configuration was sunk in 1943, and I doubt that drinking it would initiate Montezuma's revenge - but I think you might have found yourself in a position of receiving Gestapo's revenge. However, in this country we do have some liquids that in most foreigners' eyes qualify as "heavy water", one of them was nicked "nakkeskudd" - shot in the neck- just after WW2. The key word here is aqua vitae, or Norwegianzed to akevitt. You're all more than welcome to have a shot! Balder

Geez guys, you had me rolling on the floor laughing while reading your little ping-pong match here. I'm glad I live in a country with substantially less red tape - although we have our fair share here as well. Merry Christmas everybody - be nice to each other! Balder

Lol PhilOhio - sorry if I stepped on some toes regarding acceptance mark terminology, I should have thought of the possibility that British surplus firearms were sold in other parts of the world as well. Balder

Yes PK, I am very much aware of that fact. The reason why I didn't use that term is that I was, and still am, uncertain about to what extent the US gun public is familiar with that particular expression. Balder

Per US definition the Thompsons being sold to the UK in 1940 were civilian (this was before lend-lease), meaning they didn't have US military acceptance stamps. Once received in the UK, the Brits put their "crow foot" acceptance stamp on whatever gun they purchased/made/received. However, this was often done in a hurry and the stamps are often very hard to see. On my 1928 the stamp is on the right side of the receiver, about an inch behind the barrel, and it can easily be mistaken for something else. Sgt, have you looked closely all over your Thompson for any stamps and markings? Regards, Balder

Interesting story, I also have a Savage 1928, S-245XX. Mine has no US military acceptance stamps either - but it has a British one (the "crow's foot") since it was in the first batch of 10,000 Thompsons to be shipped to the UK in the spring of 1940. Could it be that Sgt's gun was also sold to the UK during WW2 and thereby avoiding US acceptance? Regards, Balder

Hi all, I'm a Norwegian collector of pre-1945 military guns. One of the gems in my collection is an M1928, serial # S-245XX. As far as I've been able to establish, this particular gun was among the first 10,000 guns to be shipped to the UK in 1940. Does anybody know more? BTW, I am looking for an L-drum for it. Regards, Balder