TD.

jwmd, Welcome to the world of Thompson submachine guns and the Thompson forum. It appears you want a World War II Thompson submachine gun, preferably of Savage manufacture. May I suggest you purchase, American Thunder, Third Edition, by Frank Iannamico. It is the best 40 bucks you will spend. This book, as well as the information shared by Frank for The Thompson Encyclopedia series, is the authority on the war time Thompson guns. After studying the book, starting by regularly searching some of the websites referenced above. Morphy's, Rock Island and Poulin auction houses are another place to look - and learn. I suggest creating a folder of every Savage Thompson you see for sale and saving the pictures and descriptions. What I want you to do is learn the product before spending your money. Originally is the key and usually the most expensive. That said, you have to know what an original finish looks like (and it is not the common grey parkerized finish). I also suggest joining one or both Thompson associations and attending a Show & Shoot. You will most likely see examples of what you are looking for and meet enthusiasts with the same passion for General Thompson's trench broom. Take your time, learn the product, and most importantly, enjoy the search. Most enthusiasts will only own one Tommy Gun, make it that perfect one for you.

Robert Diaz, Welcome to the Thompson forum on MachineGunBoards.com. Cut USGI Thompson submachine gun receivers, both U.S. Model of 1928A1 and M1/M1A1, are fairly common. I have seen a number of both types on gunbroker.com. Without seeing pictures of what you have, I will venture a guess of $100. Most cut receivers are a combination of parts from different guns. The receiver nose seems to be the most important piece (and is usually missing) from what I have seen in the past. Post a few pictures of the receiver and the members on this forum will be able to provide a much better estimate of value. The serial number is unimportant unless it is a very very early Thompson.

+1 for Tracie!

KrazyKarl, Thank you for the update and pictures. It is definitely an interesting M1A1, much like the Martin Pearl Thompson guns. While it may (I really do not know) be a good shooter grade Thompson, the main problem is when you (or your estate) go to sell or trade it. You said earlier that you wanted a Thompson that would accept a drum. Patience is the key! I am sure that perfect Thompson submachine gun will come available in the future.

Brighton Gun, I don't know anything about the SARCO C drums but like you, I would assume they came from the same Taiwan factory that manufactured the C drums for Numrich Arms or Gun Parts Corporation (GPC) around 2017. I did a review of this product for Small Arms Review (SAR) magazine - see below link: West Hurley Meet West Hurley I have never had an issue like you described above. However, I did find preparation was the key to having a successful day at the range. Some of my tips are in the review. For whatever reason, I have found over the years that some of the Taiwan C drums just will not run in a submachine gun. Thankfully, I have only seen a small number, but it does happen. One reason I recommended Numrich Arms was the generous 30-day return policy. Note: I have not checked their return policy in several years so this may have changed. Since you are running a Post Sample, I assume it was assembled from a collection of parts. Post a picture of the magazine catch and we can see what variation you have.

Excellent advice by Doug Quaid, above, on obtaining a NOS spring kit for your "new" M1A1. I am not a big proponent of changing out the springs just because they are old, but having an NOS set available at the first sign of issues is a great idea. Actually, I would suggest buying two spring kits. One to eventually use and the other as a spare (that you will probably never need). The best source for genuine NOS Thompson spare parts including all the springs is forum member Phil Askew. He can be reached at: philfordparts@yahoo.com. Or you can visit with Phil in person at the Hill Family All Thompson Show & Shoot later this year. You will enjoy seeing all the parts Phil brings to the show.

S-52127 is definitely an old war horse. The stories it could tell. Thank you for sharing. I agree about the safety lever and magazine catch. I believe the vertical fore grip is a SILE reproduction fore grip. The ejector is the early milled type and the actuator is knurled so both correct for this time period. While undiscernible, the right side receiver should have the New York address. I also believe it should have a Type 2 compensator. The GEG inspector mark on the left side receiver is still visible. I believe I see where the original sling swivel location cut out at the bottom of the butt stock has been filled with a wooden plug - excellent workmanship. S-52127 is a Cash & Carry British Ministry of Supply (MoS) purchase that was probably manufactured around December 1940. I would buy S-52127 for a display piece if I could get approval to import it into the USA.

Before jumping on the Auto-Ordnance West Hurley conversion kit, I would ask deerslyer and/or TSMG28 if this kit is for the full auto submachine gun or semi-automatic carbine/pistol. They can also tell you if it really works. I believe it is for the semi-auto carbine, but this is not my area of specialty.

Hyper Sniper, Welcome back to the Thompson forum. If you obtained the Spare Part Kit (SPK) from Gordon Curtiss, I would bet Mr. Curtiss obtained it from Roger Cox. If the SPK is original, one of the most common variations, is in really nice condition and contains original Colt era parts, then the price mentioned by Got Uzi, above, is possible - but very much at the top of the market. If you can post some pictures, I know forum members can offer a more accurate opinion of pricing. Be aware that fakes exist. And two of the variations will not command top dollar but are none the less original. If you decide to post pictures, I want to see a close up of the front and back of the rivet attaching the latch. I also want to see a clear picture of the hinges, top and bottom. I have written extensively on the SPK. My Amateur's Guide book tells of the history of the SPK and examines what I believe is the most common (and valuable variation). It also addresses the Gordon Herigstad reproduction kit. My 3rd book goes into detail on the last two variations as well as fakes with a follow up on the Herigstad reproduction SPK. Knowledgeable buyers will most likely have both books. The pictures tell the story. It is good way to authenticate your SPK and will aide if you ever decide to sell it. If you live close to Ohio, attending a Thompson association Show & Shoot later this year will offer you the opportunity to have the SPK examined by knowledgeable members in this area. And you will have a lot of fun. I guarantee it!

Hi Guys, I just noticed that Amazon.com is running a sale on my first book, Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story, for $20. This is a better price than I can offer at the Thompson shows. Amazon.com: Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story: 9781502977816: Davis Jr., Tom: Books I have no idea how long the sale will last.

Skip Greenwade, Congratulations! Now you need to join The American Thompson Association (TATA) and attend the Hill family Show & Shoot later this year. We have another TATA and forum member that may chime in when he sees you are from Houston. I lived in the west side of Houston for a number of years. What part of Houston do you reside?

Roland, Thank you for the post. I have never heard of Richard Lee Clauss and his Thompson submachine guns. Has anyone else on the Board heard of him? Maybe own one?

Phil will certainly be missed by all. Thank you for posting Tracie.

I think it would be best to distinguish between the Colt, Model of 1928 and the M1 series of Thompson guns when talking about grip mounts and breakage. There is a section in Great Britain- The Tommy Gun Story beginning on page 60 that deals specifically spare parts for the Thompson gun used by the British military during World War II. I believe this is very important because the British military had a lot of experience with using the Thompson submachine gun in battle prior to the USA entrance into the war in December 1941. What I found was the British military only wanted a small number of spare parts per 100 guns ordered and received. The US wanted to greatly expand the number of parts and a bureaucratic battle of spares began that was fun to read (and write) about. I also included 5 charts developed during these discussions of the parts argued about starting on page 125. The grip mount or "Mounts, grip" is not even listed until the 4th chart. The number of spare parts listed for the "Mounts, grip" per 100 guns is "Nil" or none. If any "Mounts, grip" are needed, the source for this part is "Recover." I assume from battlefield used guns retrieved on the ground and refurbished for use after an engagement. The 5th chart is the U.S.A. Ordnance Scale (page 133), and it lists the requirement for (Mount, grip (Plates fore grip), as only 2 grip mounts per 100 guns during a 12-month maintenance schedule. The number of spares needed for many other parts are quite a bit more, i.e., barrels - 120 per 100 guns, actuators - 23 per 100 guns, etc. The resource material for the battle of spares is dated from 1940 through 1942 (see footnotes) and only encompasses the Model of 1928 and US Model of 1928 A1 Thompson submachine guns. There is a short reference in January 1943 on page 66 about a "new model" SMG being introduced and how spares for this new SMG would be under discussion in the future. I encourage all of you with, Great Britian - The Tommy Gun Story, that is interested in grip mounts and Thompson spare parts to review the above material. Perhaps I have missed something. All good stuff!!!

Dan, I believe this is variation #1, above. Can you describe the problem with this WH, and how you are going to correct it? I was thinking this early variation worked best. Thanks for all you do.

I agree with villafuego, the receiver in Kit A is a Richardson display receiver. This kit has the most value because of the Richardson receiver. Perfect for building a dummy gun or with the proper license, a Post Sample TSMG. The condition is poor but should clean up nicely. I suspect one of Doug's barrels and compensators too. I would guess $2500 retail only because of the receiver. The other kits or parts listed are from World War II. The condition of the barrel would be important in obtaining a retail price. If complete, I would guess between $1500 and $2000 retail for Kit B. I am curious if the rear of the bolt is marked: A.O.C. The other kits without the frame would most likely sell for a much lower price. Mismatched torch cut Thompson receiver pieces are very common and do not command a high price. Again, the condition of the outside and especially the inside of the barrel is very important. Check gunbroker.com for some cost comparisons. Good luck!

I wonder if what they are holding are not actually firearms but some type of radar gun. Or perhaps, a mace gun designed for crowds or prison/jail use.

2026 is going to be a great year!!!

KrazyKarl, Welcome to the Thompson forum. If you would post a few pictures of this M1A1 Thompson submachine gun, I am sure the many knowledgeable members on this forum would be able to provide you some excellent information. This particular gun may have been discussed previously. It sounds like a semi-auto Thompson carbine conversion to submachine gun based on your description and price. Pictures will tell the tale. May I suggest you be 100% sure what variation you are looking at before spending any money.

Merry Christmas Dan. Keep up the good work!

Kid0104, Welcome to the Thompson forum on MachineGunBoards.com. NO 9115 has been discussed on this forum previously. Shown below is one of the more interesting threads. Search on numbers 9115 in the search box and you will find additional information. Fortunately, it appears NO 9115 is on the Registry and in civilian hands. I have no idea of the current owner. Good luck!

I have no idea why the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) would purchase a Model 1928 West Hurley Thompson submachine gun in 1977, not 1975 as claimed. I did note a pinned compensator that may be a Type 2 compensator. The pictures are not clear enough to tell with absolute certainty. However, it does have a standard Numrich Arms 27 fin barrel. The actuator appears to be a World War II smooth ball but AOC West Hurley also had a smooth ball actuator. The rear sight is a WWII Lyman adjustable (that is a plus). The provenance to TVA is a sticker on a removable butt stock. If I was going to pay a premium price for a West Hurley Thompson submachine gun, I would want to see some documentation as to the prior owner(s). A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request may reveal prior government ownership but if I was interested, I would want to know where Collector's Firearms obtained it, and where the past owner obtained it. I would try to follow the trail back to Auto-Ordnance, West Hurley, New York. Those that live in or near Houston should visit Collector's Firearms. It is an amazing store. I remember their two old locations (on Richmond and Fondren I believe). I could spend hours in their store just looking. It was almost like a museum but near everything was for sale! If you happen to fly into Houston and can stay an extra day, rent a car and visit the store. It is on a major road (Westheimer), easy to find and well worth the effort.

Taliaferro - Great information. Chip - A very nice Colt NAVY! jedimonkey - If the mark is that small, a MACRO lens may be required. What is the location of this mark? How about a close-up picture with an arrow pointing to the location.

jedimonkey, Welcome to the Thompson forum on MachineGunBoards.com. Pictures would be a big help! My guess is either Enfield with the letter "E" mark or Birmingham with the "BP" mark. The marks under the Crown could be Inspector marks. A great book to own for the World War II Thompson submachine guns is, American Thunder, Third Edition, by Frank Iannamico. Another book for information on the British Cash & Carry and/or Lend Lease Thompsons is, Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story, by Tom Davis, Jr. Both are available on Amazon.com and contain a wealth of information. Think Christmas presents!

If you're having trouble providing your loved ones with a Christmas list, a great reference book by Roger Herbst (TSMG28), above, would be an excellent choice. Availalable directly from Roger (contact via PM) for a signed copy - or on Amazon.com. This book will answer all your drum and magazine questions. Highly recommended!