TD.

I have noticed over the years that the butt plates on the 1928 model World War II Thompson guns are not easily interchangeable. I have known several enthusiasts over the years that have purchased new in the wrap butt stocks from Numrich Arms and tried to fit the butt plate from their original well-used or poor condition 1928 butt stock. They ran into the same problems you are facing. It is generally not an easy bolt on job.

I believe the barrel with the West Hurley compensator affixed and no front sight is a West Hurley or Numrich Arms 27 fin barrel. The flat fins are also indicative of a West Hurley product. Value??? It would be a perfect barrel for a display Thompson.

Chapter 1 of my 4th book, Thompson: Colt's, West Hurley's & More, tells the known history of NO 91. A copy of the original Form 1 is also included. There are numerous pictures of this very early 2-digit Colt with expansive captions detailing all the parts. For those that like the early Colt Thompsons, this is a story you will want in your library. NO 91 was going to grace the cover of this book until I had a chance to photograph and write about the New Mexico Prison Colt's. This book contains much more Colt Thompson information.

I believe this Spare Part Kit (SPK) is original. That said, it is by far not the most common SPK. I call it an "outlier" SPK because of the differences in the first or most well-known SPKs. Also, very few of this variation have surfaced to date. It was not copper flashed or as nicely finished like the first SPKs; the construction is generally not as good. Those with this variation have told me the fit between the bottom container and lid is not a tight fit. Those with my book, A Thompson Compendium, see pages 154 - 157, and let me know your thoughts. I am curious about the history of this SPK. Are the firing pin and extractor marked with a manufacturer letter code, i.e., "S" for Savage Arms? Thank you for sharing.

Can we see pictures of the inside of the case bottom. One looking straight down; the other from the side looking at an open case. Thanks!

Chip, The information for NO 3280, like NO 3278 above it, is blank. That means there is no information about these Colt Thompsons as per Gordon.

Good to hear from you Arthur! I am just guessing but I think this Thompson may be an all or most rubber prop gun.

Littledrummerboy, Thank you for sharing the information and pictures of NO 3280. I believe you are correct in that NO 3280 is a Model of 1921 Thompson and not a Model of 1928 or kpist m/40. It is very possible that NO 3280 was the Thompson submachine gun exported to Sweden on September 29, 1923 and tested by the Swedish government. Swedish military records reference these military tests as well as Joseph Alm in his now classic book, Eldhandvapen II, published in 1934. While the Thompson gun performed well in these tests, unfortunately, the serial number of the gun tested is unknown. An abbreviated story of my research titled, Colt Thompson's in Swedish Service, was first published in Small Arms Review (SAR) magazine in May 2009. Later that year the complete story was published in Tracie Hill's, The Ultimate Thompson Book. A slightly updated version of this story is currently available in The Thompson Encyclopedia series by Tracie Hill, but the exact volume escapes me at this moment. My research and subsequent story included files from the Krigsarkivet or War Archives in Stockholm, the Armémuseum, and several other documented sources. Of note, sometime in 2010/2001, Olaf Janson of the Gothia Arms Historical Society in Sweden, requested permission to publish my story on the 500 Swedish Colts in the Society's 2010/2011 Annual newsletter. The story was translated to Swedish and may still be available. As with all my stories, I am always looking for new information on the Swedish kpist m/40s. I have tried without success for many years to find out all the serial numbers and the disposition of the kpist m40s by the Swedish military. I believe the Thompson guns partially pictured in the video you shared are part of the Armémuseum collection. The white inventory tags match perfectly with the pictures I have of the kpist m/40s at the Armémuseum. At one time the Armémuseum had as many 29 Model of 1928A or kpist m/40s in inventory. I have heard that number has been reduced since the publication of my story. Most (there are few exceptions) of the known serial numbers of surviving Swedish Colt's are in 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 serial number range. This is not surprising since this was the last large sale of the original Colt manufactured Thompson submachine by the Auto-Ordnance Corporation. Again, thank you for posting about NO 3280. I am always available to talk kpist m/40s. There is still one original Swedish manual I am seeking for my collection.

Chip, I have two editions of Gordon's books including is 6th and final edition. Colt Thompson NO 3280 is not listed to anyone or any company. Midwest Adjustment Company is listed as owning NO 3279 and NO 4796. Based on Gordon's research, the past history and whereabouts of NO 3280 is unknown. Please double check your records.

kp31, I believe you have a survivor! It does appear to be refinished but I doubt at a government arsenal. The GEG and RLB markings appears to have suffered but still visible. It really does not matter as it does need to be refinished again. If John Andrewski is not available, I would try Board member PK (Paul Krogh) at Diamond K Companies in Delta, Colorado. His work is first rate. Thank you for sharing!

If mine, I would contact Bob Bowers at Philadelphia Ordnance (reconbob on this forum) about removing the compensator from the barrel and barrel from receiver piece. His hourly rate is not expensive, and his work is first rate. I would suspect a quick turnaround for a small job like this.

Great question. I would only fly with a checked machine gun if it was a direct flight. Then I would worry about the flight being diverted somewhere else and having to recheck the luggage. I have heard the New York City airports will arrest you if you try to check a firearm. If this were to happen, you could always just pick up your luggage and rent a car there. Hopefully, others on the forum have personal experience with flying with machine guns to unfriendly gun states.

Chappy, Smart move. I would have them send you a picture of the frame serial number. If you have any doubts, send the picture to me at: tkd5501@fuse.net.

Ask and you shall receive. I do hope you are also planning on attending the Show & Shoot later this year.

Congratulation on your new Thompson. The history sounds interesting. If this 1928A1 Thompson is in the 260,000 serial number range, I believe a Type 4 compensator would be the correct compensator. Look for the Thompson bullet trademark logo on the left side of the compensator. A Type 2 compensator would be correct for a 26,000 serial number range Thompson. If that is the case, let me know if it has Patent Dates or Patent Numbers on the right side of the receiver.