Thanks Gentlemen, success!

I have the part on order. $6.95 USD.

I wasn't able to make contact by computer, but called the land-line work phone provided by fatman (815.713.3222) and got to talk to someone. Nice folks. They have taken over DH Thompson products and are now the source for parts.

Here's info if you need it:
Adventure Corp.- Mfg's.of Famous Thompson Fly Tying Products
adventurecorp@comcast.net
815-713-3222

Thanks, fatman. you put me on the right track.
Thanks, aged saged for the offer.
Thanks, norman ( I tried the hardware route and got close with lamp nipples and couplings but the thread pitch on the Thompson hardware is 40 per inch. Hard to find.)

hairwing