EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL MATCHING NUMBERED THOMPSON MACHINE GUN 50 ROUND “L” DRUM

High condition, matching numbered early original 50 round “L” drum for the Colt Model 1921 Thompson machine gun. Drum is marked “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORP, NEW YORK N.Y., U.S.A. PATENTED JULY 27 1920 DEC 7 1920 “NO 2072” on main body with matching numbered cover. Original nickel rotor inside. These early drums were contracted through John’s Machine and Stamping Works Company. According to Gordon Herigstad, the highest-numbered John’s ”L” drum is number 4184. Not very many, considering how many guns were manufactured that could accept them. PROVENANCE: From the personal and advanced collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish of drum is extremely fine original smooth blue finish with fine coverage, particularly on the cover. The body of the drum has some brown patina which is not particularly noticeable, and some loss or finish to a gray patina in places, especially at the high edges. One can see upon inspection of the interior that this drum was carried loaded, as there are rings from the cartridges very visible inside. These are a far scarcer drum to find than even the 100 round numbered drums. A fine drum for the discerning forward-thinking Thompson investor and collector. JWK 2024-05-107.