Thompson machine gun
Just about everyone knows what a Thompson gun looks like, it holds a somewhat iconic status amongst collectors... and is a highly prized gun. Back in 1940 when we Brits stood alone in the fight against the might of Nazi Germany, it was America that we turned to when we were in dire need of machine guns for our troops. Orders were placed directly with the manufacturers, and by April 1940 the first 'Savage' manufactured 'Model 1928' started to arrive. After the signing of the 'Lease-Lend act' in March 1941, all guns were stamped... 'US MODEL OF 1928A1'. Some - but not all - also being stamped with 'US PROPERTY'. Certain modifications were made to these 'Lease-Lend' guns now destined for military use, the first to go was the rather complex adjustable Lyman rear sight which was replaced by a simple post-type peephole sight set to a range of 100 yards, with a notch to the top for ranges at approximately 250 yards. The forward pistol grip was replaced with a horizontal grip, and then the cooling fins on the barrel were dispensed with.
The next stage in the evolution of the weapon was primarily aimed at speeding up production and cutting costs. The cocking handle was moved to the right side of the gun, and the rather complicated 'H' type 'Blish' lock (breech block) was replaced with a much simplified version. Slots cut into the receiver to accept the drum magazine were also discontinued. The first M1 guns started appearing in early 1942, and by July of that year 'Savage' had produced around 48,000 guns. Serial numbers were stamped on the left side of the receiver and on the underside of the lower frame, but some guns reportedly left the assembly line with miss-matched numbers... or with no number stamped on the lower frame. Guns which were refurbished often ended up with miss-matched parts, the emphasis being on keeping the guns working rather than keeping everything together. In the real world, soldiers did not concern themselves whether their guns were all matching numbers... all they wanted was a gun that worked properly!
The particular gun I have is not matching, but there is such a discrepancy between the serial number on the frame and that of the receiver that it could have only come about through refurbishment or field repair. The receiver has a five figure serial number which should theoretically place it as being manufactured before July 1942, but the ordnance acceptance mark of crossed cannons only commenced in October 1942. It also carries the 'inspector of ordnance' stamp of Lt-Col Ray L. Baldwin who's initials of 'RLB' were stamped on the left side of the receiver on all savage manufactured guns up to 1942. The 'GEG' stamp within a circle is the mark of civilian inspector, George E. Goll. On the grip of the gun are carved a set of initials, the initials carved into the left side look to be a first attempt, and then whoever did it had another go on the right... the result being a clearly legible E.M A... There is no way of knowing if this was done in WW2 or later, but whenever it was carried out it adds just a bit more to the history of a well used gun... note also the armourers repair to the grip. Click on images (twice) to enlarge.
Cheers,
Steve
.
by greatwhite
Bookmarks