Opinions on fair market values ?

[Lawman9328]

Gentlemen,

A local gun shop near me just got in several TSMG related items.  I'm interested in a couple of them but the store owner and I are not quite sure what the fair market value would be for them.  I'd welcome any input so that I can try to negotiate a fair price for both of us.

- (1)  Early 50-round drum magazine.  I believe it's either the second or third iteration (see attached photos).

- (2) copies "Thompson: The American Legend The First Machine Gun".  Both part of the Limited Author's Edition of 300 Copies (#90 and #97) and are signed by Tracie.  Both seem to be in pretty good shape.  No major tears in the dust covers.

- (1) copy "The Thompson Submachine Gun" by Roger Cox.  A couple of small (1/2" max) tears along the edges of the dust cover.  

- (2) copies of the 1986 supplement to Roger Cox's book.  Look to be in good shape.  Just a little yellowing to the covers.

- He also said he had a reproduction FBI case that was made by a "someone known for his reproduction cases" but he couldn't remember the name (he had it at his house).  Who would be considered someone known for their reproduction cases....or what should I be looking for in a quality reproduction ?

I'd appreciate any opinions on estimated value ranges.  Let me know if you have any questions.  

Thanks,

Gene

 

 

[gijive]

Lawman9328,

I'd say that the First Generation Worcester Pressed Steel Drum (or Third Generation Colt Drum) is worth about $1,500.00.  It looks to be in good shape.  Make sure that it works before you buy ut.

The Roger Cox book as about $150.00 to $175.00.  The Tracie Hill book is about $125.00.

These are just my estimates based on prior sales.

[TD.]

Lawman9328,

While the two books and one supplement are nice books to have in a Thompson enthusiast's library, there are much more current publications that will aide a reader in studying the Thompson gun. Roger Cox's 1982 book, The Thompson Submachine Gun, is for the most part, outdated. Yes, it was a great book at the time and for many years forward. I wish I had a nickel for every time I read it!  The 1996, THOMPSON: The American Legend, is the first Collector Grade Publications book by Tracie Hill and other authors. This book was outdated in 2009 with the release of, The Ultimate Thompson Book (TUTB), also by Hill and Collector Grade Publications. TUTB is out of print, but copies can still be found at reasonable prices; it is still a good reference book. 

If new to the Thompson community and wanting to learn about the Thompson submachine gun, the new Thompson Encyclopedia Series by Tracie Hill and other authors has a ton of new information. Expensive, yes, but nothing like buying original Thompson guns and accessories!  There are less expensive books by Frank Iannamico and me if your interest is only in specific areas. I always recommend Frank's American Thunder III to the new Thompson enthusiast because of the quality of information and price.  

I also believe all Thompson enthusiasts will learn more about the Thompson gun and have a lot of fun by attending one of the Thompson show and shoots each year in Ohio. These associations can be a wealth of information. The contacts you make will be invaluable in the years ahead.