Snail Drum Questions

Norme · 06-22-2010, 05:55 PM

Hi Larry, I should know better than to offer an opinion sight unseen, but here goes. There are two types of drums. Type 1 have a telescopic winding lever (see photo). As far as I know, these have not yet been reproduced and sell for about $2,000.00 in decent shape. Type 2 have a folding lever and fetch about $1,500.00 (again very approximately). These are being reproduced with very lifelike signs of aging, and sell for about half that. I hope this helps. Regards, Norm

sporadicgenius · 06-22-2010, 07:52 PM

Norm, thanks. My dad was an antique dealer and I keep my eyes open for interesting stuff at flea markets, pawn shops and junk shops. I know it's unfair to be asking for a value sight-unseen, and I appreciate the guidance since I've always considered buying a snail mag out of my league. I have only seen Type 2's before and the winding mechanism on this one looked odd. I appear to have found a Type 1 with the asking price being that of a repro (or less). I'm going back to the shop tomorrow and see how much he'll deal. If I get it, I'll post pictures when I get home from vacation. Thanks again, Larry

sporadicgenius · 06-23-2010, 10:40 PM

I went back to the pawn shop this morning and really looked the magazine over. It was a type 1 however the catch that engages with the slot (part of the winding mechanism) was missing. Serial number was in the 8000 range. Since I fret when even the mag on a Luger is non-matching, it's fair to say I don't have a high tolerance for "issues". Otherwise, it looked to be in pretty good shape. Springs seemed to function okay and patina, etc all looked pretty much as it should be. I couldn't identify the maker's mark, and I didn't have any books with me to check it out. I offered $500 as it was but was still a couple hundred below what he was holding out for. Since he's had it for quite a while and I'll be back in the area in a couple weeks, I decided to think about it and let him consider how badly he'd like to make a cash deal. I realize it's a foolish question, but is there a source for any of the minor parts?

Larry

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06-22-2010, 07:52 PM	#2
sporadicgenius User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Norm, thanks. My dad was an antique dealer and I keep my eyes open for interesting stuff at flea markets, pawn shops and junk shops. I know it's unfair to be asking for a value sight-unseen, and I appreciate the guidance since I've always considered buying a snail mag out of my league. I have only seen Type 2's before and the winding mechanism on this one looked odd. I appear to have found a Type 1 with the asking price being that of a repro (or less). I'm going back to the shop tomorrow and see how much he'll deal. If I get it, I'll post pictures when I get home from vacation. Thanks again, Larry

06-23-2010, 10:40 PM	#3
sporadicgenius User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I went back to the pawn shop this morning and really looked the magazine over. It was a type 1 however the catch that engages with the slot (part of the winding mechanism) was missing. Serial number was in the 8000 range. Since I fret when even the mag on a Luger is non-matching, it's fair to say I don't have a high tolerance for "issues". Otherwise, it looked to be in pretty good shape. Springs seemed to function okay and patina, etc all looked pretty much as it should be. I couldn't identify the maker's mark, and I didn't have any books with me to check it out. I offered $500 as it was but was still a couple hundred below what he was holding out for. Since he's had it for quite a while and I'll be back in the area in a couple weeks, I decided to think about it and let him consider how badly he'd like to make a cash deal. I realize it's a foolish question, but is there a source for any of the minor parts? Larry