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LOT 1367
Documented Law Enforcement Shipped
Colt Model 1921/1928 U.S. Navy
Overstamp Thompson Submachine Gun, Class
III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun -
Serial no. 13263, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured by
Colt as a Model 1921 Thompson SMG, one of a number
stuck in inventory due to sluggish sales; while today the
Thompson is recognized as an American classic and one of
the all-time finest “heavy metal” SMGs, at the time it was a novel, untested and expensive
weapon, and few were willing to roll the dice. The U.S. Marine Corps was an early adopter,
and the firm attempted to capitalize on the connection by adding “U.S. NAVY” markings
to their 1921s, updating the features based on USMC feedback, and overstamping the
“1921” to “1928” to match their newer model. According to Herigstad’s “Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers and Histories” (page 1034), this particular Thompson
was shipped to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office in Grand Island, Nebraska at an unknown
date, with serial numbers around this gun showing shipments between 1934-1936.
Blade front sight on the Cutts-marked compensator and a folding Lyman rear sight,
showing the signature cooling fins on the barrel, dual pistol grips and quick-detachable
buttstock with a small “anchor” on the front. The left side of the receiver has the
aforementioned “U.S. NAVY” model markings ahead of the 5-line address and caliber
markings, with the Thompson “bullet” logo on top and the Auto-Ordnance address
and 6-line patent markings on the right. The trigger group is numbered to match the
receiver on the underside, with knurled selector (“FULL/AUTO” and “SINGLE”) and safety
(“FIRE” and “SAFE”) levers. The internals are of the 1928 pattern, with the reduced spring
and spring guide, and correspondingly heavier bolt assembly, with brass Blish lock and
felt padded oiler. One stick magazine is included.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear,
and minor spotting and handling marks. The barrel shows a darker tone than the
receiver, and the witness marks are not aligned; it may be a replacement component.
The furniture is very fine, with some minor scuffs and dings overall. 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: Hall County (Nebraska) Sheriffs Office; Private Collection.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
Listed by serial number in Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories, Vol. I by Herigstad