A Thompson Compendium

[TD.]

I never envisioned writing one book, much less three. Of course, none of this would have ever happened without the help of many of the great members of this Thompson forum. I am so indebted to Frank Iannamico for starting this website and David Albert for continuing its operation. It is a place where civil discussion occurs on a regular basis about General Thompson’s iconic trench broom. I sometimes wonder what General Thompson would think about all of this - along with Theodore Eickhoff, Oscar Payne and George Goll. All made famous by Bill Helmer in, The Gun That Made The Twenties Roar. I would also be remiss without thanking Tracie Hill for encouraging me years ago to perform original research. My stories in Small Arms Review magazine followed and ultimately led to a virtual meeting with James West on this forum. One visit to the National Archives by James ultimately led to Great Britain – The Tommy Gun Story. And here we are today.

A Thompson Compendium is a series of in-depth stories about several specific variations of the Thompson gun and accessories. It also includes the accurate story of Potomac Arms in Alexandria, Virginia and reveals serial numbers of over 400 Thompson submachine guns sold at that renowned gun store. As you read the book you will find the following information:

• The First Savage Thompson - several chapters on the earliest Savage guns

• Savage Commercial Thompsons - never seen before information

• Freedom of Information Act requests specifically for a potential Savage Commercial Thompson

• The Bridgeport Commercials - eighty 1928ACs are pictured and reviewed

• The NAC Thompson guns - an in-depth review

• Potomac Arms - the story and serial number information for over 400 Thompson submachine guns

• Spare Part Kit update - two new variations and more information on the Herigstad kits.

• A French Colt returns home

• How to identify Colt wood

A Thompson Compendium is available right now on Amazon.com for a retail price of $49.99. The “Look inside” feature should be active sometime within the next 7 days. Search on Amazon.com by the book title or Tom Davis, Jr.

I will have copies available at the Ohio Gun Collectors Association (OGCA) display show on May 8 & 9, 2021 for $40. I will also have copies available at the All Thompson Show & Shoot in Granville, Ohio on August 6 & 7 and at the Thompson Collectors Association Show & Shoot in September for the same price.

Contact me at tkd5501@fuse.net if you cannot make the above events and would like a signed copy at $40 plus $5 shipping. I should have copies available for mailing around the middle of May.

Last but not least, if you see anything in A Thompson Compendium that is a mistake, misspelling, grammar atrocity or just plain wrong, let me know. I have found the best proofreaders are members of this forum!

 

Edited September 5 by TD.
USPS increase in shipping costs

[mgvince]

That sounds great Tom. I’m going to have to get a bigger book case.

[mohawk64]

I can't wait.

[Sandman1957]

Well done Tom! Hope to see you at the TATA all show and shoot!!

[giantpanda4]

Fantastic! Can't wait to read it!

Save me a signed copy...

[gijive]

Tom,

 

Congratulations on getting the book out. Nice Job!

[Gio]

Tom good luck on your new book. But know youve caused me to spend money on another Thompson book. Your other books were very informative and knowing you this book will be as well.

 

Frank

[colt21a]

Congrats on another new book and also on putting the picture on the cover of the new Beta clear 100 round cover drum for the Thompson....I am sure many collectors will want to get that Part of history. Now you can track the rounds at the range very smart move. and a good pic. RON K.

[drfcolt]

Looking forward to it.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092C8VBP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited April 16, 2021 by drfcolt

[Robert Henley]

I just ordered a copy off of Amazon with expected delivery through my Prime account on Monday. Having read Tom's other two books, I'm looking forward to reading this one.

 

Robert

Edited April 15, 2021 by Robert Henley

[Motorcar]

Ordered mine yesterday, looking forward to the Bridgeport '28AC info since that's where my gun's heritage lies.

 

Thanks for posting Mr. Davis so the rest of us can enjoy your efforts on the books!

[First Sergeant]

Congratulations Tom !! You are on a Thompson roll for sure. I also like the front cover .

[Motorcar]

Book arrived today, great stuff! Bonus points for the explanation of Gordon's secret mark on the spare parts kit, made me go look at mine, yup there it is!

 

Mr. Davis, was pleased to see my serial number in your list of Bridgeport AC guns...but how did you get the photo for the collage? Pretty sure it's still in the safe!

[Rimcrew]

Just ordered mine, can't wait to read it.

 

Thanks Tom, for all you do for our community!

 

Kelly

[Gio]

Got my copy today. Havent read it all but read five chapters and the chapter on spare parts kit and 21 colt wood. I have enjoyed as well learned some things.

Great book would recommend.

 

 

Frank

[thomas.hondo]

Well done Sir. Ordered.

[rodfarva]

I just received my copy as well. I too am pleased to see my Bridgeport 1928AC serial number in the photo collage.

[TD.]

I would like to thank everyone for the very nice comments about my new book. There is a lot work over many years that went into this book. And a lot of help from many members of this forum. Whenever I published something, I always continue research on the subject hoping for an update in the future with additional information. You will see that first hand in the Spare Part Kit Container updated story. If not for An Amateur's Guide for the Colt's Thompson Submachine Gun, we may have never known that Gordon Herigstad actually did mark most of his reproduction Spare Part Kits. I am hoping to narrow down the starting point of the marked kits in the future. I have already helped two 1928AC owners draft FOIA requests and have at least 3 other FOIA requests that we are waiting on. More information is always a good thing. I suspect more Savage Commercials and NAC guns will appear in the future.

 

I appreciate all the orders on Amazon and look forward to seeing many of you at the OGCA display show next month and the two upcoming Thompson associations Show & Shoots later this summer (these are so much fun). I do have one request. If you enjoy the book, would you consider leaving a review on the Amazon website. It is easy to do, a few words or a sentence or two is all that is needed. Reviews for niche books on the Thompson gun like mine bring in new readers that may become enthusiasts and members of this forum, often times with information to share.

 

Again, thank you.

TD.

[TD.]

I have had a few requests for, A Thompson Compendium, of late so I am bringing this thread back to the top. 

I appreciate all the interest in my books. I do have books available. 

[Rekraps]

Hats off to you for this interesting and informative labor of love. 
 

Great work.