| Serial Number 17 The firearm itself is in remarkable condition considering its age and travels. The Thompson retains about 80% of its original blueing. This blueing was not a hard finish blueing like that on the Colt's era guns, so it's remarkable that any remains. The Thompson is the only known Model of 1919 that has a butt stock. While serial number 11 is equipped for a stock attachment no stock exists. The profile of s/n 17 is elegant and very fragile. Part of the stack near the stock release button is cracked, but repaired. It is apparent from the trigger housing that the stock attachment was an afterthought, as a "No. 17" is visible through the attachment hardware. The frame is equipped with a rear sight which in profile reminds me of a Ml Al protected ears rear sight, which may explain the profile of the M1A1 sight. However, this is a ladder style/peep sight. No markings of any kind are visible except the range markings. All of the individual parts have numbers stamped or etched into the metal. Most of the numbers are serial numbers for the given part. Some parts are marked with the serial number of 17 plus a revision status number such as the barrel which is numbered 17 2. The firing pin is very interesting marked with the numbers 3.085, which is the length of the pin. The two drum magazines are also of great interest to the history of Thompsons. These drums act as the missing link in the evolution of the drum's design. These drums are not like the hand made prototype drums (as seen ref. American Legend Page 323-327). These drums were just prior in the line to the drums pictured on page 328 of American Legend. According to letters from Oscar Payne, I believe, these drums were made by John's Stamping Co. of Cleveland, Ohio for Auto Ordnance. The drums have a bright blueing finish just like the gun. Later drums had the surface of the drum grit blasted prior to blueing to give them a flat blued look. Several of the rivets, which hold various parts of the drum together like the face plates, are ground smooth with the surface or flattened. The serial number on the Type C drum is number 13, which is stamped on both face plates, the winding key and the rotor. The Type L drum is stamped number 23, which is on both face plates, winding key and rotor. There are marking on the face plates, but these are not stamped in. They are etched in by hand. The canvas cases all are Mills marked, some with the additional marked date of Feb. 1921. Finding all of these accessories in one place together in an "untouched" condition is a perfect time capsule.
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