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321
Listed by serial number in Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories, Vol. 1 by Herigstad
This serial number 91 Thompson, along with a small handful of other
Thompsons, were received by Logan Hardware and Supply Company
and forwarded to mining companies prior to the battle and would have
been in high demand for use by the mine defenders. There are period
photographs of Thompsons being carried in the streets during the battle,
one of which could very well be this example! Approximately one million
rounds were fired during the Battle of Blair Mountain, covering a stretch of
more than 10 miles of barricades and earthworks, and private planes were
even hired to drop bombs on the miners, including homemade bombs
and a combination of poison gas and explosive bombs leftover from World
War I. The intervention of approximately 27,000 Federal troops ultimately
ended the battle on September 2, 1921. Many of the miners were veterans
of World War I and refused to fire on the U.S. troops. In the end, as many as
100 of the striking coal miners were killed along with 30 killed on the side
of the mining companies and 4 soldiers.
This early Thompson features a blade front sight, folding Lyman rear sight,
Model 1921 nomenclature and markings on the receiver, and 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 Blish lock mechanism, heavyweight
recoil spring, and spring steel oiler. It is mounted with dual pistol grips and
a quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. One
Type “L” 50-round drum magazine is included. The Thompson SMG is one
of the most famous submachine guns in the world and rates as one of the
truly signature American weapons. This early production Thompson, serial
number 91, serves as a significant historical example shipped to Logan
County during the heat of the Coal Wars!
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% of the original blue finish, showing areas
of characteristic brown and gray patina, scattered spotting, edge wear,
and minor scratches and dings. The furniture is fine, with minor chipping
at the rear of the front pistol grip. The magazine/magazine catch fit needs
adjustment (the trigger housing needs to be slid back to release the drum,
though the catch works when tested with other magazines), otherwise
mechanically excellent. This is the only two-digit Colt 1921 Thompson
that we have ever offered! Rare! 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: Main Island Creek Coal Company; Consolidation Coal
Company; City of Jenkins, Kentucky; Private Collection.
Estimate: 75,000 - 150,000