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LOT 1369
Documented Law Enforcement Colt
Thompson Model 1921 Submachine
Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable
Machine Gun - Serial no. 11815, 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 976) show
this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921AC” configuration as a single item to the Morton
County Sheriff’s Office in Mandan, North Dakota, on September 9, 1930. It is recorded later
in the inventory of the Mandan Police Department (date unknown), and the collections of
Greg Scott and David Spiwak. 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.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 90% of the original high polish blue finish, showing
light scratches, rubbing on the right side of the receiver, and minor handling
marks overall. Some spacer material has been added to the recoil spring guide,
otherwise internals are standard configuration. Furniture is fine, with scattered
scuffing 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: Morton County (North Dakota) Sheriff ’s Office;
Mandan (North Dakota) Police Department; Greg Scott; David Spiwak;
Private Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
Listed by serial number in Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories, Vol. I by Herigstad