Snail drum case
 

I don't know enough about them to tell if this is genuine. But it could be and I know they are rare. You would certainly need to be sure before laying down that kind of money!
I have no financial interest in this item and I've posted the link just for interest sake.
For some reason the link won't take you to the exact item, but if you go into the magazines section and search for item c5-b, will get you there.
Mark

URL= http://www.dandbmilitaria.com/magazi...set-boxed-c5-b

Kind of hard to tell from a picture; in great shape if genuine.
"fully functional"- kind of a strange way to describe a box. ;)

Near 1500 pounds is pricy, but then if it is full of magazines? One can see the top of several mags in the box. :)

Thanks for posting; they have some interesting stuff.

From what I've seen on producing the modern repro, that's not a bad price.

G2

Considering it has 5 magazines and a loader included it seems to be a fairly reasonable price. I am pretty sure it has been repainted on the exterior and perhaps new webbing installed but most likely an original specimen IMHO.
Ron

The add does state "Box Only" but it certainly has been repainted.

Hi George,

I think you're commenting about this one: https://www.dandbmilitaria.com/magaz...se-box-only-dh

The one discussed is this one: https://www.dandbmilitaria.com/magaz...set-boxed-c5-b

Right you are, I didn't see that one.

The "set" is 8,600 pounds, the "box only" is 1,495 pounds.

$1,500 Pounds = $2,000 USD Rounded out.

The trommel in picture seems to be a repro selling in Kassel some time ago : the stamping an 17 for all addition numbers

I see last month two snail case on the Werhmacht-A forum to sell

Good catch Patrice. I can't see the numbers clearly enough to tell for sure, but it looks like it might be 193103. That along with the bad welds and artificial aging gives it away as being one of the "17" fakes.

Over the years I have bought a lot of items from D &B, indeed I have just received a box full of Thompson magazines from them, my other passion. I can confirm they have in the past sold reproduction transit chests. Over the years they have had a few Thompson transit chests which they list as original, which were not! They also have an overpriced Thompson Kahr C drum on their website for over a year now, which incorrectly listed as a 1920's original, until I pointed out to them that was not the case.

Yesterday, before I read this post, I also asked Barry at D&B if the chest was an original, he says it is, but from previous experience of D&B, I would like more definitive proof. I have asked them to send me some photos of the markings on the drums and loader, which are listed both with the chest and also separately, all selling individually for £1,495.
Stay safe
Richard

Over the years I have collected / downloaded numerous documents for my personal reference. Attached is one in French, concerning the snail drum chests, but I cannot recall where I downloaded it from, so if from this site, I apologise for posting again.

I spent six years of my youth, many years ago in the French Foreign Legion and a life time working in French speaking countries in Africa since, so I have a good understanding of French, but for those that don't, the pictures are also of value, I believe.

Having seen some good reproduction Thompson transit chests, produced by D&B militaria, or their supplier, over the years, indeed I bought one, once upon a time; I still have a doubt about this one. Never take an 'arms dealers' word at face value. :thumbup:

The pdf is mine from my collection , no problem to post it here !

Patrice,
a great document of the p Kasten, thanks for your work.

Patrice, as I said, I could not recall where I found the document, and did not wish to 'rain on some one else's parade', but it is an excellent document and I thought it was worth sharing.

Does anyone have measurements for the Snail drum chests? I noticed a post from some years ago, showing a reproduction chest that was manufactured. If I could obtain the measurements, I am sure a joiner could be tasked with manufacturing one cheaper than paying £1495 for one.

Richard

I spent six years of my youth, many years ago making reproduction P Kastens. Not as easy as you might think.

Jerry,
So easier to pay £1495 for one?

I bought a repro. advertised as original by D&B, Thompson transit chest many years ago. I sold on the 1928A1 Thompson and two of the three L drum magazines it contained, and made most of my money back. So the fact it turned out to be a repro did not 'hurt' so much, as it ended up costing me peanuts.

Now I have the measurements for the Thompson chests, when I get around to retiring, I am considering making some reproduction chests, as I'll have more time on my hands. I'll need a 'hobby' to keep me busy.
Richard

So easier to pay £1495 for one? Richard, if you only want one... then it's a consideration. I don't like the one offered..so I wouldn't pay it, no.



There were a couple offered on WA by a guy in Belgium that I tried to buy. He squirreled the deal twice over a few dollars and returned my money instead of saying your $20 short please send..it was a fee or conversion problem but either way he might still have these boxes.



Replicating a P-Kasten is a labor of love. Myself and 3 other very talented people were involved and it literally took years to finally come up with 5-6 boxes. Dimensions are very important so you have to start with a known original box to get those accurate enough. The correct wood is necessary. Metal..not easy to make! Then it must be hand hammered onto the box with steel rivets. Paint..antiquing the whole box look. Then the drums have to fit..or it's no go. But, if you have the time, money and passion..and know a few other talented artisans..it will occupy some precious retirement time.