Old WW II Mag Found, Is It Special?

[Gonzo]

I am fairly new to the world of Thompson’s but have always wanted one after reading many books and knowing my Grandfather’s involvement in WWII. A few weeks ago my local FFL came across an old guy wanting to liquidate some things. I was told he had a few WWII 30 caliber bags as well as two (2) what he was told old WWII Thompson stick magazine (I have attached pictures). He kept one and had the FFL consign the other. It looked to cool to pass up and it appeared to be legit, so I thought what the heck and bought it, if nothing else if would look good and be a great conversation starter. It is tightly wrapped in some type of cloth/burlap that has been covered in what appears to be cosmoline or some other type of waxy grease, and banded with two straps. The straps/bands I liken to what we see in today's shipping world, they are not metal. It is the right length for a 30 round mag and if you run your fingers around the mag profile you can feel many of the identifying characteristics of the Thompson mag. I do not want to unwrap the mag as I am sure this will affect both collectability and any value it may have. Loosely attached to the mag is a small label, typed on a small piece of paper and tucked under the bands is the following (the last part I cannot make out as it is tucked under the strap and I am afraid I will tear the label):

 

STK No. A032-65-35506

NOMEN. MAGAZINE

QUANTITY EA 1

PROCESSED FOD DATE 15 Dec ____

 

 

If anyone can provide any information on this it would be truly appreciated. Is there any value to the vintage Thompson aficionado crowd or are these desired by collectors. Because I have been unable to locate anything associated with this item including an internet search of the stock number, I am fairly certain there are not a lot of these around? Can anyone confirm? Thanks in advance.

[winbar]

Looks like all the gurus are sleeping. Since the stock number starts with "AO" it is probably Auto Ordnance , Bridgeport , Connecticut. My 2 cents. Glad to meet another cosmoline junkie, (mildew treatment gets me doe-eyed too.)

Doug

[TSMGguy]

Originally, five mags were packaged together by the original manufacturer with wrapping that was usually reddish brown in color and had no labels. Other mags were individually wrapped and labeled. The shipping box or crate was labeled too, of course. Post war preserving after inspection was done with a green wrap, at least that I have seen, with each piece wrapped and labeled, as you describe. Of course, the only way to tell which contractor made your mags is to break them out of the wrap!

 

I purchased several new condition five magazine "bricks" years ago. Curiosity eventually got the better of me and I broke one open to reveal five new condition 30 rd. mags marked U.S.-30 CARTRIDGE CAL.45., with the Crosby logo. These are my favorite WWII XXX mags because of the US markings.

Edited November 27, 2011 by TSMGguy

[reconbob]

There are still many thousands of original WW2 mags out there. While its nice that

its MINT-in-the-wrap, this does not add much to its value. 30-rd mags are going for

$20-$30, $30 would be for EXC-MINT. Maybe if you found a hard core collector who

wanted the specific wrapper you have that might bump up the price, but I can't see

it adding more than $10-$20. Welcome to the board!

 

Bob