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357
LOT 390
Documented Law
Enforcement Shipped Colt
Model 1921/1928 U.S. Navy
Overstamp Thompson
Submachine Gun, Class III/
NFA C&R Fully Transferable
Machine Gun, with British
Proofs, Case, and Extra
Magazines - Serial no.
3715, 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 374), this particular Thompson was shipped to the
City of Woonsocket Police in Rhode Island in December of 1933. The Herigstad listing also notes “British proof marks, vertical fore grip
with sling swivel on right side, early type compensator”, though makes no mention of the Thompson traveling to Britain for commercial
sale or military use. This Thompson remained in police inventory for an unknown amount of time, later recorded in the inventory of Quick
Sport Haven of Cranston, Rhode Island, Walter Smith of Du-Lite Corp. of Connecticut in 1973, the collection of Charles Hudak in 1973, and
the estate of Bob Miller of Texas in 1994. Blade front sight on the unmarked Cutts-style 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 “AUT-ORD-CO bullet” logo on top and the Auto-Ordnance address, 6-line patent markings and “JHB” in a circle 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. A set of Birmingham “crown/BM” stamps have been added
to the left side of the trigger group and right side of the receiver; these proofs were used up until the 1950s
on military-style weapons (both commercial products and items released from government inventory to the
commercial market), but as noted above we have no data on how this submachine gun would have passed
through Birmingham. 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. Included with the lot is
a Books Trunks-brand black leatherette transport case, five total magazines (one Auto-Ordnance Type “L”
50-round drum and four stick magazines, barrel rod and cleaning tools.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing some thinning at the high edges and
on the trigger housing just above the pistol grip, wear around the safety switch, scattered light scratches
and mild spotting. The stock is fine, with a contrasting color to the front handguard, varnish loss, scuffs and
dings. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine overall. 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: City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Police Department; Quick Sports Haven;
Walter Smith of Du-Lite Corp.; Charles Hudak; Bob Miller; Private Collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500
Listed by serial number in Colt
Thompson Submachine Gun Serial
Numbers and Histories by Herigstad