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LOT 1359
Excellent Documented Law Enforcement Colt Thompson Model 1921
Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun -
Serial no. 7326, 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 749) show this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921AC” configuration
as a single item to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office in Helena, Arkansas, on
October 2, 1933. It is recorded later in the inventory of the Law Enforcement
Equipment Corporation in 1988 and the inventory of J.D. Hebert in 2002. Blade
front sight on the unmarked Cutts 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 quick detach buttstock with
a small “anchor” stamp on the front. Included with the lot are two extra stick
magazines, a black leatherette transport case, and a manual.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing areas
of brown patina, minor spotting and light edge wear and handling marks.
The wood is very fine, with some scuffs, dings and scratches. 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.
Provenance: The J.D. Hebert Collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN
THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON
SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL
NUMBERS & HISTORIES,
VOL. I BY HERIGSTAD
314