Jump to content

TD.

Colonel
  • Posts

    42
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    3

Everything posted by TD.

  1. A new and pocket size (8.25" x 6") book on the Colt Thompson submachine gun by Tom Davis, Jr. This book is the result of feedback from buyers of my second book, An Amateur's Guide for the Colt's Thompson Submachine Gun. One recurring comment I hear from readers is the Amateur’s Guide book is a great reference book. However, it is just a little too large to drag around to a gun show, auction house or Thompson show when inspecting a Colt Thompson. I have been told many times something smaller and easier to carry around would be perfect – but keep the pictures and captions. This 51 page in color book is mostly pictures with expansive captions. All Colt Thompson submachine guns are very expensive in today’s marketplace. Some are astonishingly high priced. Reference books about Thompson submachine guns are also expensive but can identify many pitfalls that can save buyers a lot of remorse if utilized properly. This pocket size book is designed to allow a prospective buyer or enthusiast the opportunity to correctly inspect a Colt Thompson in a systematic step by step process from one area to another - at a very reasonable price. It is not a replacement for my Amateur’s Guide book; it is a supplemental guide. It is also an inexpensive introduction to the Colt Thompson submachine gun for those new to the machine gun community seeking to learn about the iconic Tommy Gun. It is available on Amazon.com for $24.99 plus shipping and tax. My price is $25 for a signed copy postage paid. I will have copies available at the upcoming Thompson Collector's Association (TCA) Show & Shoot in late April as well as the early May, Ohio Gun Collector's Association (OGCA) display show. If you cannot make these events, contact me at: tkd5501@fuse.net for ordering information. Or if you just want to talk Thompson; no purchase required! Thank you for all your past support. I also have all of my other books available: Great Britain – The Tommy Gun Story, An Amateur's Guide for the Colt's Thompson Submachine Gun, A Thompson Compendium and Thompson: Colt's, West Hurley's & More.
  2. I have had several questions on the Thompson 1928AC variation of late, so I am bringing this back to the top. You do not have to purchase any of my books for me to talk Thompson with you - all variations. I am always available at the above email address. I also have a new book, released earlier this year: THOMPSON: Colt's, West Hurley's & More. Send me an email if you would like to discuss. Again, no purchase necessary.
  3. I have had several inquiries about the new ATF web-based Freedom of Information Act request system. I cover this new system in detail in Chapter 11. Those enthusiasts that like Colt era Auto-Ordnance paper will certainly enjoy the Spanish paper from Argentina pictured and translated in Chapter 12. And there is so much more!
  4. I have had several inquiries for this this book, so I am bringing it back to the top. There is now a hardcover version available directly from me for $50 plus $4 shipping (retail price at Amazon.com is $59.99). Contact me at tkd5501@fuse.net for questions or ordering information. I am always available to talk Thompson!
  5. I appreciate the kind words. Back to the top.
  6. A new book on the Thompson submachine gun by Tom Davis, Jr. Thompson: Colt’s, West Hurley’s & More is the fourth book by Tom Davis, Jr. about the Thompson submachine gun. Tom focuses on areas of Thompson history, accessories and guns that have never been fully explored. A prime example is the British proofed Colt manufactured Thompson guns. These guns were not sent to Great Britain during World War II and later returned to the United States. But these guns did travel to Great Britain and were returned to Auto-Ordnance and later sold in the US, all prior to World War II. This book explains what happened and the meaning of the different markings. The rare and expensive Colt era long cleaning rods is another area sorely lacking on information that would aide an enthusiast in making a purchase decision. Reproductions abound in the marketplace. Learn the number of variations and what to look for during an examination. The canvas spare part kits are mostly fakes. Period. This chapter details with pictures the few known authentic canvas kits and explains how one may be the real deal. All the known fake variations are pictured too, many purchased directly from the faker! West Hurley owners will greatly benefit from the two chapters dedicated to the last commercially manufactured Thompson submachine guns in the United States. There is one West Hurley part that is dangerous and must be replaced. All the other West Hurley parts are covered in detail including some parts introduced in the marketplace years ago by a vendor specifically for the West Hurley guns that can cause real damage if used. This book begins with NO 91, features the famous New Mexico Prison Colt’s, and ends with NO 147. All presented in detail with expansive captions like presented in Tom’s second book, An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun. Not only will an enthusiast enjoy the beauty of these Colt’s, but they will also learn how to evaluate one as a prospective buyer. And there is so much more. This is a must have book for a Thompson collector's library. This new publication is available immediately on Amazon.com at a list price of $49.99 Use the Amazon website “Look Inside” feature to review a few pages and see if this book contains the information you need before making a purchase decision. Personalized copies can be purchased directly from the author at a Sturmgewehr special price of $40 plus $4.00 shipping in the continental United States. Contact Tom Davis, Jr. at: tkd5501@fuse.net for purchase information. Other books by Tom Davis, Jr. - Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story, An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun & A Thompson Compendium.
  7. I just received another order of books so I am going to bring this back to the top. Contact me at - tkd5501@fuse.net - for ordering information. Or if you just want to talk Thompson. No purchase required! Thanks! TD. Other books by Tom Davis, Jr. - Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story & An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun
  8. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are great source of information on the past history of an NFA weapon. Other than tracing back the weapons history one past owner at a time, it is the only source of information. Some past owners of NFA weapons have preserved the original IRS/ATF registration Forms, but many have not. If the past history is unknown, filing a FOIA request with the ATF Disclosure Division is the first step in learning about your NFA weapon. I often encourage and assist owners of Thompson submachine guns to file FOIA requests. You don't know what you don't know. While the wait can sometimes be long, the cost is normally free. Yes, the past ownership information is redacted, but you can tell a lot of the past history from the dates, form types, titles and some of the government acceptance stamps. The earliest form is usually the most important. For example, the accepted definition of a Savage Commercial Thompson is a Savage Thompson that was sold to a law enforcement agency during World War II. If you find a Model of 1928 Savage Thompson without any military markings, no signs of military service such as inspector markings or arsenal/depot rebuild, no import markings, with the original dulite finish and matching receiver and frame, you may have a Savage Commercial Thompson. If there is no past history, how do you prove it is a Savage Commercial Thompson? A FOIA request may produce an IRS Form 1 showing the original registration was in the early 1940s. Many times, the words police or sheriff are unredacted. This is the perfect provenance of a commercial sale of a Model of 1928 Thompson submachine gun in the early 1940s to a non-military purchaser. Unfortunately, the IRS or ATF record keeping procedures were not the best and these early registration forms were lost (or at least not produced during a FOIA request). The earliest form may be a Form 5 from a government agency to a Class 3 dealer. This too is evidence of a commercial sale of the Thompson submachine gun in question. The forms usually associated with Thompson guns imported during the 1950s/60s are an IRS Form 2, normally from INTERARMS or similar company. Again, you don't know what you don't know. Every FOIA packet is different. One tip: use the information directly from the current ATF form regarding manufacturer, model, and serial number when filing a FOIA request. It does not matter if you think some of the information is incorrect; what you submit must match what ATF has on file regarding the weapon.
  9. I noticed a few early Savage Thompsons for sale in the marketplace recently, so I am bringing this back to the top. The information in, A Thompson Compendium, will make you a very knowledgeable consumer on the early Savage guns (and more). There are 34 pages just on the Savage Commercial Thompson variation. Are you interested in the lowest serial numbered Savage Thompson found to date? And the four variations of Savage receivers? It is all here! I have books available. Contact me at - tkd5501@fuse.net - for ordering information. Or if you just want to talk Thompson. No purchase required! Thanks! TD. Other books by Tom Davis, Jr. - Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story & An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun
  10. Back to the Top! I have books available. Contact me at - tkd5501@fuse.net - for ordering information. Or if you just want to talk Thompson. No purchase required! Thanks! TD. Other books by Tom Davis, Jr. - Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story & An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun
  11. dcp, I appreciate you purchasing my book. I look forward to your thoughts about the book, especially the Potomac Arms chapter. It was a great experience meeting and interviewing the sons of John Richards. See pages 50 - 56 for more about a couple of Savage Commercials from Potomac Arms. I really like the picture you posted. I may have included this picture in my book if I would have known about it. I did include a picture of the sign that hung on the front door of Potomac Arms for many years. While Potomac Arms is gone, a visit to the Full Metal Jacket military surplus store should be on everyone's agenda if you are in or near Alexandria, Virginia. I would bet dcp has been there a few times! Again, thank you.
  12. Ryo, I appreciate your interest in my new book, A Thompson Compendium. Unfortunately, all the copies I have right now have been spoken for. If you need or want the book immediately, it is available on Amazon.com. Or feel free to e-mail me (tkd5501@fuse.net) and ask to be contacted next year when I receive my next shipment of books. I do have a few copies of, An Amateur's Guide for the Colt's Thompson Submachine Gun, available. Have a great holiday season.
  13. I want to thank everyone who has purchased my new book, A Thompson Compendium. I really appreciate the comments and feedback. I have two copies left and will not obtain another shipment of books until 2022. If you want a signed copy, please send me an e-mail (tkd5501@fuse.net) so I can reserve a copy for you until your check arrives. I will ship the same day payment is received. I also have available a few copies of my second book, An Amateur's Guide for the Colt's Thompson Submachine Gun. Let me know if you want to reserve a copy. Each book is $40 plus $4 shipping. If you buy both, only one shipping charge. Happy Holidays!!!
  14. A new book on the Thompson submachine gun by Tom Davis, Jr. 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 (FOIA) 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 The book is filled with numerous color photographs and expansive captions that will teach the Thompson enthusiasts the many important features of the different Thompson variations. While geared toward the beginner or new enthusiast, current Thompson owners and advanced collectors will find a lot of valuable and heretofore unknown and unpublished information. In addition, dealers that do not specialize in the Thompson guns will be better able to accurately describe the Thompson guns they have for sale. And correctly evaluate Thompson guns offered for trade or direct sale. This is a must book for the Thompson enthusiast's library! This new publication is available immediately on Amazon.com at a list price of $49.99 Use the Amazon website “Look Inside” feature to review a few pages and see if this book contains the information you need before making a purchase decision. Personalized copies can be purchased directly from the author at a Sturmgewehr special price of $40 plus $4.00 shipping in the continental United States. Contact Tom Davis, Jr. at tkd5501@fuse.net for purchase information. Other books by Tom Davis, Jr. - Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story & An Amateur’s Guide for the Colt’s Thompson Submachine Gun
  15. It has been over a year since this thread has been to the top of the Board. I would assume there are a few new buyers and collectors in the market as I have noticed several Colt's for sale during that period. If you are seriously interested in a Colt Thompson, this is the book for you. Comments have been very positive and I know it has helped with the evaluation of many Colt's since published. If interested, I would encourage you to view Ian McCollum's review on his website, ForgottenWeapons.com. The link is posted above. See the first thread for ordering information.
  16. Thompson Shot magazines are not particularly rare but they can be expensive, especially for a display item. Condition and variation are key for price range information. Post some good pictures and I am sure someone will be interested.
  17. NO 3789 does look like a nice 1921AC Thompson in the low resolution pictures. The biggest detraction for most buyers is the engraved receiver, though it is tastefully done. I am assuing the frame and receiver match. The finish and barrel are the next consideration. Finish is near impossible to judge via your iPhone pictures. A close-up of the barrel and index lines would help with the barrel. However, the bore needs a good inspection for rings and this really has to be done in person. A ringed barrel is a big deduction. The wood looks correct but I would like to see more pictures of the butt stock. Those in the Thompson community know the exact places I want to see on the butt stock and gun. The 1921A seems to be the hot ticket in the Thompson community this year. The 1921ACs and NAVYs are a close second but condition is key with any variation. I would think a retail price would be somewhere in the mid-30s if the barrel is correct and without issues. Again, the engraving may cost you interested buyers or result in a lower price. I don't know a Thompson collector that wants engraved Colt's. A dealer will probably offer much less, especially with the engraved receiver. A lot will depend on how well you understand the product (pictures of the parts that show 100% originality) and how you market it. These are the areas you control.
  18. Mark, You certainly have an early Colt's for sale. Thank you for the better pictures of the slots cut in the barrel. I can understand why Centrifugal Arms asked about the barrel being counterbored and the possibility of a slight bulge underneath the slots. However, I am more curious if the barrel serial number (or assembly number) can be viewed in part in the chamber area, more particularly in the extractor slot. I have had a few enthusiasts ask me about these slots and am first trying to authenticate the originality of the barrel. Thanks!
  19. Could you post a close-up picture(s) of the compensator slots at the end of the barrel? I have never seen this on a Colt’s. Thanks!
  20. My experience with machine guns is mostly in the Thompson community. What I advise prospective purchasers interested in the history of a Thompson submachine gun is to obtain from the seller as part of the deal the ATF form that showed the transfer of the machine gun to them. It is not uncommon for the seller to also have one or more prior forms. In essence, inspect and obtain all the forms you can prior to putting your money down. This is when you have the most leverage. What a buyer is generally looking for is when the machine gun was "born" on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). Many times, especially with Colt's, the prior history is known and this step is not all that necessary, i.e., original purchaser has been documented to be the St. Louis Police Department. If the original purchaser or entity that originally registered the machine gun on the NFRTR is known, a simple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by an owner will show the number of transfers approved by the IRS and/or ATF. The FOIA packet will not disclose names or addresses but will show Form types and dates. It is a nice packet to have with any registered NFA controlled item. It has been my experience that when ATF mistakenly approves a pre-sample machine gun to a non-dealer, they do not make the new owner immediately dispose of the machine gun. However, transfer restrictions will apply when a new transfer is submitted, often times as part of an estate. I cannot cite any authority on this, just examples I have heard over the years. I would think that ATF would start an immediate dialog with the new owner if possession was a problem. This situation may be resolved with a simple letter to ATF stating the facts and asking for guidance. Armydoc0115 has provided some excellent options relating to legal advice. I suggest you get in touch with him off the forum and discuss further. When this matter is resolved, please come back and let us know what happened. Good luck!
  21. s11033, It sounds like you are facing a $10,000 loss because of the "new" found transferability status of your M1 Thompson. Do you need an attorney well versed in the Class 3 world. No. You need an attorney well versed in the courtroom. This attorney will need an expert witness well versed in the legal transfer of machine guns, preferably a current or past dealer. This expert will teach your attorney about the transfer process involving machine guns and the different types of products on the market. Yes, the Class 3 world can be very complicated but the transfer and facts you told about make it an easy process to understand, much like what happens everyday. What I like most about the information you shared was the seller once owned this same M1 Thompson as a sales sample - and you have that admission in writing from the seller. That is direct knowledge something may be amiss with the transferability of this machine gun when it was sold to you. Your attorney will evaluate that writing and determine the strength. If a deposition is scheduled, that will be a huge topic of discussion along with a court ordered request for the seller to produce copies of all previous transfer forms, including Bound Book entries for this M1 Thompson. Given the loss is around $10,000 you will probably retain the services of a newer attorney. That can be a good thing but you want an experienced courtroom advocate. The venue (location) for the cause of action will be decided by your attorney with your input. I don't see enough loss for a Federal Court action. I would guess the action will commence with a letter to the seller from your attorney with a time limit to discuss settlement or a suit will be filed. Many times, that is enough to ultimately settle any dispute. Remember, the seller will have to hire an attorney to defend the suit if they have any chance defeating your claim. That costs real money, not the contingency based fee most likely you and your attorney will enter into. That said, you will probably have to pay filing fees. If me, I would contact the local bar association in your area to find the perfect attorney. Consultations are usually free. The key is to be prepared during the initial discussion. Don't forget, the attorney will also be sizing you up as a necessary witness and victim. If your not matter of fact, on point, and have all documentation you referenced in an easily searchable order, you may not get the attorney you need. And also remember, everything you post on this forum will be discoverable. Good luck! Let us know what you decide.
  22. The book has been well received in the Thompson community. And I am very grateful for the nice comments. Personalized copies are still available at $44 including shipping. See the first post for ordering information. TD.
  23. The word "TOMMY" (not TOMMY GUN") was trademarked by the Auto-Ordnance Corporation during World War II. The TOMMY GUN markings are generally found on Model of 1928 Savage manufactured Thompson guns in the mid 100,000 to mid 200,000 serial number range, but not on all guns in this limited range. My story on all of the Auto-Ordnance trademarks, including the word TOMMY, can be found in a 2010 issue of Small Arms Review magazine. It is one of my favorite Thompson stories! https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=527
×
×
  • Create New...