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LOT 382
Documented Law
Enforcement Colt Thompson
Model 1921 Submachine
Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully
Transferable Machine Gun -
Serial no. 1399, 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 196) show this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921A” configuration
as part of a four-piece shipment to the Emmons-Hawkins Hardware Company of Huntington,
West Virginia on August 30, 1921, to be forwarded to the Crane Supply Company of Lundale,
West Virginia. At an unknown date, it entered the inventory of the West Virginia State Police
in Charleston, West Virginia, and later the inventories of Jack Buchert, Herman Mayhew, Silver
Dollar Pawn & Gun, Robert Necessary, and the Western Firearm Company. Blade front 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.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 85% of the original blue finish, showing a few areas of brown
patina, minor handling marks and light wear. The wood is fine, with scratches and
dents. 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: West Virginia State Police; Jack Buchert; Herman Mayhew; Robert
Necessary; Western Firearm Company; Private Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
Listed by serial number in Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories, Vol. I by Herigstad
324