Questions about Drum Magazine Carrier (see pics)

[junk250]

Hello all,

You guys have helped me before and thanks for that, now I'm back with a few new questions about an item I found today at a yard sale.

I didn't know what it was when I bought it but it was interesting, so now it's mine.

I did some googling on the only info I had which is the B.A.T.& S. Co. that is stamped on the back and was pleased to find out is is a drum magazine carrier/pouch that was attributed to a Thompson SMG !

I only saw one picture of one currently for sale, and was exactly same as mine but the other is marked U.S. and mine is not.

I would appreciate any info you can give about it.

Specifically I'm wondering if it is associated with the Thompson or just SMG drums in general, and also I saw some reference to 50 round and 100 round thompsom drums (i'm guessing they are the same size?).

Also what does the absence of the U.S. marking mean in dating it?

One more question, below the bat & s co. it is marked B.C. anyone know what that might mean ?

I used to have a Soumo (sp?) SMG 70 round drum that would have fit it I bet, wish I still had it.

Carrier measures 7 3/4" X 3"

Thanks for any info you can give, pics below.

magazinecarrier.jpg

magazinecarrier2.jpg

magazinecarrier3.jpg

[John G.]

Junk250,
Not an expert on these.....but I believe the type you have is for Commercial/Civilian/ even Police use back when Thompson's were legal to own by "anyone".....there would be a Military version (the "US") markings and a Civilian version like yours. Being all leather it must be early, probably limited sales/issue....since Canvas ones were around in the early days too. (I think). Being Commercial version, probably "rare" to a serious Thompson Collector, as with other specialized items you'll need the "right guy" for top dollar....If you have an early Thompson, your "all set" now.....
John G.

Pretty much only SMG available was the Thompson in those days....there were several Military & Commercial variations & models....I see the closure strap is broken...that hurts it.