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LOT 3370
Excellent Documented Law Enforcement Colt
Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun, Class
III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no.
7835, 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 792) show this 1921 as having
been shipped in “1921AC” configuration as a single item to the Police
Department of Mattoon, Illinois, on March 22, 1930. Located in Eastern
Illinois, Mattoon was the location of a mild oil boom in the 1940s, along with
the unsolved “Mad Gasser” incident of 1944, where it was believed a criminal
armed with anesthetic gas was attempting to break into occupied homes;
a gas-armed crook was never caught, and theories include mass hysteria or
supernatural/alien interference. 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 four 20-round stick magazines, a Type
“L” 50-round drum, unmarked transport case, cleaning rod and a print off of
an unnamed group of police officers in a picture frame.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing some
light scratches, edge wear and handling marks. The wood is very fine, with
some light dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are very
good, with a foot detached from the case. 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 Mattoon, Illinois Police Department;
Law Enforcement Ordnance Co.; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 35,000 - 47,500
260
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN
THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON
SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL
NUMBERS & HISTORIES,
VOL. I BY HERIGSTAD