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LOT 402
Documented Law Enforcement Colt Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case and Accessories - Serial no. 8244, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch ribbed round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. One of
the most famous submachine guns in the world, the Thompson rates as one of the truly signature American weapons. While advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials would allow later designs to match or exceed the Thompson’s performance, none of them have managed to do the job with the same level of style and craftsmanship. The Thompson, a product of old-school hand craftsmanship, is virtually synonymous with the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, being found on both sides of the law during the “gangland” era of American history, and also serving on all Allied fronts of World War II, where it stood tall among its more cost-effective stamped steel substitutes. The records
in Herigstad’s “Colt Thompson Submachine Gun” (page 822) show this 1921 as having been shipped
as a single item to Chief of Police James Dinan of
the Edgewater, New Jersey, Police Department on October 30, 1930. The next listing for the item is at the Riverbend Sports Shop in Wisconsin in 2004; since then it has passed around private collections, with one sale here at RIAC in 2010. Blade front sight on
the unmarked Cutts-style compensator and folding Lyman rear sights, standard 1921 nomenclature and markings on the receiver, with the matching numbered trigger housing fitted with knurled control surfaces, and proper “FULL/AUTO”/”SINGLE” and “FIRE”/”SAFE” switch configuration. Internals are proper 1921 pattern, with Blish Lock mechanism, heavyweight recoil spring, and spring steel oiler. With dual pistol grips and a
carrier, 1936 dated Thompson catalog, instruction sheet for the magazine, brass cleaning rod, a small plastic insert for the drum magazine, and a modern custom “FBI” style transport case with blue felt lining.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% plus original blue finish, showing light wear and handling marks overall. Wood is in equal condition, with some minor dings. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a “Curios or Relic” as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479. Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
346 quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp
on the front. Included with the lot is one Auto-Ordnance Type “L” 50-round drum, two 20-round stick magazines, a sealed box of Remington ammunition, canvas drum
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK
COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL NUMBERS & HISTORIES, VOL. I BY HERIGSTAD