4

where the serial number was ground off there appears to be evidence of an effort to raise the serial number with some

acid etching.

Inspecting the rear lower area where the original serial number was also ground off, Mike and I were surprised when

we removed the rear stock to find a hand stamped number 11573.

BOX

AND DRUM MAGASINE FOUND

WITH S/N 5518

Further, the Colt Thompson was found complete with original wood stock set. In contrast with the published

photograph of the items seized that day, which do not show a buttstock or foregrip. The rear butt stock was also

missing its slide latch release button.

The original L drum and XX magazine, found

that day in 1930 are still in the Jackson County

Sheriff Departments possession. A winding

key was missing for the L drum.

An effort to determine if this Colt Thompson

was registered proved fruitful. We have deter-

mined it was registered in 1934 using the hand

stamped 11573 on the lower.

The inspections and investigations have proved very interesting in that it confirmed the Colt Thompson was still

intact, with new information on a lost serial number, and is located in Jackson County Sheriffs Dept as a registered

firearm with a very interesting history.

LEFT IS AN EXAMPLE

THE VL&A CATALOG

FROM 1927.  (COUR-

TESY  OF  MARIO

GOMES)