"Secret" Serial number

[WCG]

Hi Guys,

When reading the "Secret" serial number on the underside of the receiver where the foregrip rail slots in, which way up is the number?

I was disassembling a 1921 and it could be 6*6 or 9*9 depending which way up it is viewed. The original number was brutally defaced with a chisel.

Any idea?

[TD.]

WCG,

Your best bet is to post a picture and let the forum members that study the Colt Thompson take a look and offer an opinion. Based on your post, I am assuming the assembly number could be one of two serial numbers. If me, I would also go to Gordon's 6th Edition and check out both numbers. One may be already in civilian hands. That would probably answer your question.

Tell us more about this Colt with the defaced serial number. A gangster gun? We have some very knowledgeable members for the gangster era. An IRS serial numbered Colt? An early IRA Colt? The trademark and fire control markings are also a good indicator of the serial number range. Pictures please.

[Colt Chopper]

From this direction.

[Bridgeport28A1]

The serial number combinations that could be possibly read upside down. 606, 616, 686, 909, 919 or 989.

Is this Colt Thompson is located in the UK?

Edited June 12, 2025 by Bridgeport28A1

[ppgcowboy]

Lots of others too, 000, 909,090, 606, 060, 808, 080, etc. Just to be funny.

[rpbcps]

On 6/11/2025 at 9:43 PM, WCG said:

Hi Guys,

When reading the "Secret" serial number on the underside of the receiver where the foregrip rail slots in, which way up is the number?

I was disassembling a 1921 and it could be 6*6 or 9*9 depending which way up it is viewed. The original number was brutally defaced with a chisel.

Any idea?

"The original number was brutally defaced with a chisel", similar to this one?

Edited June 13, 2025 by rpbcps
Typo

[Countryboy77]

10 hours ago, ppgcowboy said:

Lots of others too, 000, 909,090, 606, 060, 808, 080, etc. Just to be funny.

808 and 080 it wouldnt matter as they arr the same eigther way.

[Bridgeport28A1]

On 6/11/2025 at 3:43 PM, WCG said:

Hi Guys,

When reading the "Secret" serial number on the underside of the receiver where the foregrip rail slots in, which way up is the number?

I was disassembling a 1921 and it could be 6*6 or 9*9 depending which way up it is viewed. The original number was brutally defaced with a chisel.

Any idea?

6*6 or 9*9

 

[nate129]

WCG, this video shows two of our veteran forum members revealing the hidden serial number on a 1921AC that the agency I work for owns. The serial number reveal is shown at about 17 minutes 30 seconds. There is never a good shot like the photo Colt Chopper shared but it helps paint the picture for orientation. 

 

[LDog2012]

This is awesome! Thanks for posting.

[WCG]

Sorry I did not reply, been out of the office

Looking at the photo and Video seems like muzzle to the left is the correct way, so it is 6*6.

It is in the UK, and the visible serial number is defaced in the manner in the photos.

looks like it was sold to a group of Irish gentlemen.

Thanks for the help.

[rpbcps]

WCG,

Looks like yours may have been one of the Thompsons discovered on the SS Eastside back in June 1921, as I believe my example was too.

My receiver could be 524, 584 or 594, the later appears to be the most probable, and the trigger frame appears to be 842. All four numbers were shipped via Gordon George Rorke according to Gordon Herigstads book.

As were 606, 646, 666, 676 and 696.

 

[rpbcps]

Oops and 616...went to GG Rorke

636 & 686 went to P.J. Gentry, another IRA gun runner.