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LOT 403
Documented Early Production Law Enforcement Colt Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 490, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted 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 94) show this 1921 as having been shipped as one of two shipped to
the Nelson Hardware Company of Roanoke, Virginia on December 5th, 1921, for delivery to the Roanoke Police Department. Later, this Thompson would be reported in the inventory of the Law Enforcement Equipment Company in 1972, J. Curtis
Earl in 1973, and Leo D. Ottoni Junior in 1998. Blade front sight 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 “AUTOMATIC”/”SEMI-AUTOMATIC” and “FIRE”/”SAFE” switch configuration. Internals are proper 1921 pattern, with “S” marked Blish Lock mechanism, heavyweight recoil spring, and spring steel oiler. With dual pistol grips and a quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. Included with the lot is one stick magazine.
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE
GUN SERIAL NUMBERS & HISTORIES, VOL. I BY HERIGSTAD