Lebman and the Monarch Gun Co.

[HC]

Famous gunsmith Lebman is reported to be the source of the two Colt .38 Super Auto pistols converted to full-auto for Babyface Nelson. I have read that he did this using a conversion kit offered by Monarch Gun Co of California. Presumably, this was freely available at the time. Would anyone know more about this company, about the kit (what it cost back then, how many were made, and when, etc)?

Many thanks!

Cheers

HANS

 

[kirkcdl]

Back then you could buy a Thompson or a BAR at your local hardware store,cash and carry....

 

[grendelbane]

I too am interested in this subject. I have seen the picture of Dillinger's weapons, but it is very grainy, and does not show a lot of detail.

I would like to know how many of these were made, and who, besides Nelson and Dillinger, used them. Knowing the cost would be nice, as well as the original designer. What was the magazine capacity, and how were magazines made?

What was the rate of fire? Are there any transferable examples existing today? Obviously, I have more questions than I do answers.

While we are at it, and in keeping with the '30s spirit of things, who knows anything about the body armor worn by Nelson? What was its construction, and how effective was it? (I have read the account where he was shot in the back with a .22 revolver.)