Putting white paint in markings?

[rpbcps]

8 hours ago, RoscoeTurner said:

I learned how to add the white to the markings in the 80s from collectors who had been coloring in the markings since the 60s, no idea how much further back it goes.

Looking at Arthur's post above, it goes back to the 1920's, at least.

"May 10, 1922 publicity photo of John T. Thompson showing off his smg complete with highlighted markings. If it was good enough for the Brigadier..."

[RoscoeTurner]

3 hours ago, rpbcps said:

Looking at Arthur's post above, it goes back to the 1920's, at least.

"May 10, 1922 publicity photo of John T. Thompson showing off his smg complete with highlighted markings. If it was good enough for the Brigadier..."

My comment had to do with the practice being done by collectors.

[TD.]

I am not convinced that the Thompson submachine gun being held in the air by General Thompson in that iconic pose has white paint or grease filled in the nomenclature. It looks like the camera angle caught the left side nomenclature in just the perfect light. Also, if the serial number was whited out, we would most likely know the serial number of this Thompson gun - something enthusiasts have been wanting to know for a long time. 

That said, Roger Herbst reports in his excellent book on Thompson drums and magazines, Thompson Submachine Gun Magazines: 1917-2012, that the third generation Shotshell magazines that state, FOR 18 SHOT CARTRIDGES, "as noted in the sales catalog quote, added "whiting" to the markings to call attention to this new information." So yes, whiting has been around for a long time.  

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

5 hours ago, TD. said:

I am not convinced that the Thompson submachine gun being held in the air by General Thompson in that iconic pose has white paint or grease filled in the nomenclature. It looks like the camera angle caught the left side nomenclature in just the perfect light. 

Seems a second picture taken during the  May 10, 1922 demonstration at 1:30 PM  (as approximated by G.H.),  with the TSMG held closer to John Thompson's shoulder  showing his right eye,  managed to replicate this magical angle and afternoon light  as the markings are most definitely highlighted. 

Photo from Tracie Hill TUTB.

[John Dillinger]

Those markings look great Richard I’m gonna do the same.

All you guys in the States, if you don’t know it already Richard is in my opinion THE # 1 Thompson guy in the UK. We are lucky to have him on here. His knowledge on all Thompson matters is almost infinite ?
I just say it like it Richard so there you go ?

JD

[rpbcps]

21 hours ago, RoscoeTurner said:

My comment had to do with the practice being done by collectors.

Yes, back in the 1920's they would not have been collectors, just those who bought them as 'tools', to do a job.

I wonder when the Thompson became a collectors item....

[rpbcps]

12 hours ago, John Dillinger said:

Those markings look great Richard I’m gonna do the same.

All you guys in the States, if you don’t know it already Richard is in my opinion THE # 1 Thompson guy in the UK. We are lucky to have him on here. His knowledge on all Thompson matters is almost infinite ?
I just say it like it Richard so there you go ?

JD

JD
Thankyou for those kind words, which I don't deserve. 
My knowledge has been built up over many years of reading posts, as well as communicating with different subject matters experts on this forum, and reading their books. 
Being a member of TATA has also been a bonus, with the regular "The Thompson Legend" newsletter providing me with information, usually not available elsewhere.

The good thing about this community is their willingness to share information and help others out with some good advice.
Indeed, I am only doing the same when I pass information onto others; as I will be doing this weekend at the 'Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story' display at the Blyth Battery Museum.
Many items in my collection, which will be on show at the display,  would not be there, if it was not for fellow members on this forum, not only in the USA and the UK, but also in Ireland, Sweden, Norway and France. ??
Thanks to everyone who has assisted me on my journey so far, and I have not arrived at my destination yet. ?