EXTREMELY RARE AND EARLY COLT THOMPSON TYPE "L" 50 ROUND MAGAZINE.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022

Very scarce high condition original early drum for a Colt Model 1921 Thompson. Marked on faceplate "MAGAZINE TYPE "L" / THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN / 50 CARTRIDGES CAL. 45 / WIND TO 11 CLICKS / NO.744". Marked on the backplate "AUTO-ORDNANCE CORP / NEW YORK N.Y., U.S.A. / PATENTED / JULY 27 1920 DEC. 7. 1920 / NO.744". Correct nickel rotor. Winding key is unmarked. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent matte refinish. Many of these original Colt drums were refinished incidental to preparation for government issue and use during WWII. Later, these drums were sold at very inexpensive prices as “surplus”. This cataloger knew one old-time collector who purchased one of these in mint condition as refinished this way in its cardboard box. Markings are clear. Feed lips and mounting rails are near excellent. Spring tension is good. This is an extremely attractive and desirable accessory for the dedicated Colt Thompson collector. These early 50 round drum surface for sale very rarely as their survivability was low. JWK-2022-11-88