TSMG Catalogue and Drum Pouch

[TGCJ]

 I would like to get opinions on the originality of the Mills drum pouch and Auto-Ordnance 1940 dated catalogue I recently purchased. Both items came from a reputable dealer whom I have dealt with in the past. However, I am not sure how much experience he has with TSMG items. The drum pouch appears significantly larger than the Mills drum pouch w/belt loop in my collection. However, my Colt TSMG and accessories are not at this location so I do not have anything to compare the pouch to - hence the ruler. The catalogue looks good to me and has the embossed cover with appropriate wear but I have only handled repro catalogues. I don't recall ever seeing a 1940 date. I don't think there is any deliberate deception with either item and I can get a refund if I decide to return either item

[TD.]

TGCJ, 

Given the measurements you provided above, I believe what you have is a MILLS C drum pouch. I don't have one in my collection. I did note the sling seems to be a slightly different color than the pouch. This color mismatch may be common as canvas is not my specialty. Perhaps others on the Board have more knowledge on this very nice Colt era accessory. 

The catalog is a seldom seen 1940 Auto-Ordnance catalog. There were two variations of this catalog. Yours is the first or original. While the condition is not great, these are not common and very desirable even in this condition. Those with my book, A Thompson Compendium, can turn to page 33 and see both variations pictured. I don' t believe the ORD 8876 insert is part of the catalog. 

Below is the measurement of my MILLS L drum pouch.

[Dpedersen]

I believe the C drum pouch to be authentic. I have a few and the "hay" color does vary some especially how much it has been handled. It also matters the light it was photographed under. Makes a big difference when comparing. The post for the snap is the right 2 piece looking post instead of the later 1 piece looking post. See the photos of my some of my Mills canvas. The strap is not right though. It should be the "B" shape with the rivets on the end and not the "D" style. The "D" style end cap with the green strap is most likely a RUSCO or other WWII production. Even with the wrong strap, it’s still a fantastic find!! I need one of those in my collection!!! Also great find on the later catalog!

Edited November 7, 2024 by Dpedersen
Photos didn’t attach

[TGCJ]

Thanks for the replies! When I saw the pouch advertised on-line I assumed it was a Mills L-drum pouch. When the pouch arrived it appeared to be sized for a C-drum. I wanted to let someone how was familiar with C-drums make the call. The snap and markings on the interior stud appear consistent with Mills fittings from the period including the markings on the inside of the brass stud. I wondered about the strap too. I had never seen the 1940 catalog - it is more geared to military sales than the earlier Auto-Ordnance catalogues. I think I was lucky with this group at $300. I enjoy collecting the various accessories to display with my guns - I am happy to get a C-drum pouch although I will not ever have a C-drum!  

[TGCJ]

Did Auto-Ordnance sell BOTH Mills and Russell cases and drum/magazine pouches pre-WWII? I prefer to collect Mills TSMG web gear (I think I purchased the pictured "S-3B" Mills L-drum case from Dpedersen last year). However, I have a RUSCO TSMG case - I have never had the opportunity to buy a Mills case.  may be able to purchase a RUSCO L-Drum case w/sling (no belt loop). Given the relative scarcity of pre-WWII TSMG web gear I will purchase anything I can find. 

[rpbcps]

9 hours ago, TGCJ said:

Thanks for the replies! When I saw the pouch advertised on-line I assumed it was a Mills L-drum pouch. When the pouch arrived it appeared to be sized for a C-drum. I wanted to let someone how was familiar with C-drums make the call. The snap and markings on the interior stud appear consistent with Mills fittings from the period including the markings on the inside of the brass stud. I wondered about the strap too. I had never seen the 1940 catalog - it is more geared to military sales than the earlier Auto-Ordnance catalogues. I think I was lucky with this group at $300. I enjoy collecting the various accessories to display with my guns - I am happy to get a C-drum pouch although I will not ever have a C-drum!  

At $300 I think you snapped up a bargain, well done 👍