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LOT 3447
Documented Colt Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun with Case and Accessories, Shipped to Hot Springs National Park and South Carolina Police, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 5298, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. One of the most famous submachine guns in the world, the Thompson SMG 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 555) show this Model 1921 as having been shipped on July 30th, 1929, in “1921AC” configuration in a one-piece shipment to the City of
Hot Springs, Arkansas (Hot Springs National Park) with “Attn: Mayor Leo T. Mclaughlin” on the shipment. It is also listed as shipped on May 26th, 1932, in a one-piece shipment to the Greenville, South Carolina Police Department. Blade front sight (“A” pattern, no Cutts Compensator installed) 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, actuator and heavyweight recoil spring. Dual walnut pistol grips and a quick detach walnut buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. One 50-round Type “L” drum magazine is included, along with a modern black leatherette transport hard case, seven stick magazines (five 30-round, two 20-round), and a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% factory quality blue finish, showing some bright wear around the front sight piece and a few minor scratches on both sides of the receiver. The barrel is a replacement. The grips and stock are all very fine, with scattered light scratches, dings, and defined edges. Included case is very fine. 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.
256 Estimate: 40,000 - 70,000