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269
LOT 3428
Documented Colt
Thompson Model 1921
Submachine Gun,
Class III/NFA C&R Fully
Transferable Machine
Gun with Case and
Accessories - Serial no.
7383, 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 753) show this 1921
as having been shipped in “1921AC” configuration as part of a 11-piece order by the Marshall-Wells Company of
Duluth, Minnesota on May 27, 1929. Established in 1886 and operating under the Marshall-Wells name from 1893
onward, the company was a major wholesaler and retailer of hardware in the United States and Canada, and like
many hardware companies before the 1968 Gun Control Act dealt in a variety of firearms. Blade front sight on the
unmarked Cutts-pattern 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. Dual pistol grips (“11” stamped into the left side of
the rear grip) and a quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. Included with the lot is one
Type “L” 50-round drum magazine, three 30-round stick magazines, a tan canvas magazine pouch with “U.S.M.C.”
and “R.M.CO.” markings, a cleaning rod, and a transport case.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina on the
compensator and trigger housing, bright wear on the high edges, scattered dings and light scratches, and minor
spotting. The furniture is very good, with dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent. The magazines and pouch are
fine, and the case is fair, with damaged latch hardware and material missing from the sides. 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.
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
Listed by serial number in Colt Thompson
Submachine Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories, Vol. I by Herigstad