Page 340 - 88-BOOK2

NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case and
Accessories - Serial no. 5026, 45 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 519) show this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921A” configuration as one of four to the Warden of Ohio State Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio on February 9, 1927. Later records show transfer through a number of private collections in “1921AC” configuration, as seen currently. In operation from 1834 to 1984, the Ohio State Pen served as Ohio’s Death Row, first by hanging and then by electric chair until 1963, hosted (and then lost) Confederate General and raider John Hunt Morgan, as well as American writers O. Henry and Chester Himes, acquitted murderer Dr. Sam Sheppard, and mobster George “Bugs” Moran. Among other incidents, there was a major fire in April, 1930 that resulted in over 300 prisoner fatalities and over 200 prisoner injuries; the perception that the guards were unwilling to unlock the cells of a burning prison block led to a riot, which resulted in a combined force of prison guards, regular soldiers and National Guardsmen deploying with fixed bayonets and machine guns while the fire was still burning. While not explicitly documented,
it is likely that this Thompson was deployed during the incident. Himes was present during the fire, and would write about it in the short story “To What Red Hell” and the novel “Cast the First Stone” (later revised/unabridged as “Yesterday Will Make You Cry”). Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, the former installed on a Cutts-marked compensator on the fluted barrel. The standard 1921 nomenclature and markings are present 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 an unmarked quick detach buttstock. Also present is a black leatherette transport case, a Seymore Type “L” 50-round drum, four stick magazines, manuals, and a canvas case.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, bright edge wear, mild spotting and minor handling marks. The wood is very good, with a few dings and scuffs, and the accessories are in fine order. 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 478.
338 Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000
LOT 1381
Historic State Prison Documented Colt Model 1921
Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/
AS DESCRIBED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL NUMBERS & HISTORIES BY HERIGSTAD