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LOT 1390
Auto-Ordnance Model 1928A1 Korean War Commemorative Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case - Serial no.
KWA1075, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
by Auto-Ordnance for distribution by the American Historical Foundation, this is a post-
WWII 1928 Thompson submachine gun in “1928A1” configuration, outfitted and decorated
as a commemorative piece for the Korean War. While purchase of new military Thompson
SMGs halted after World War II in favor of the more cost effective M3 “Grease Gun”, the 1928, 1928A1, M1 and M1A1 Thompsons were not fully replaced for many years, and they went
into the field as a “substitute standard” when the Korean War broke out. Highly useful during the close quarters brawling that resulted from Chinese night assault tactics, Thompson-equipped GIs
sometimes found themselves going head to head with Thompson-equipped Chinese and Korean troopers, who also used the weapon (acquired through Warlord Era private purchases, WWII-period U.S. military aid, and manufactured in-country) as a supplement for their primary SMGs. Made as part of a limited run, this example is a very close copy of the 1928A1, with a fine gold plated finish applied to the compensator, cocking knob, rear sight wings, trigger and sling swivels, a high polish blue on the barrel and receiver flats, matte blue curves, and fancy hardwood furniture. The receiver markings are in the commemorative style, with commemorative badges laid into the right side of the pistol grip and both sides of the buttstock. Fitted with one 20-round stick magazine and a black leather sling. Included with the grouping is a glass-topped commemorative display case, a small South Korean flag, and a gold electroplated “L” 50-round drum magazine.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 99% of the high polish blue finish, showing some minor handling marks, and 99% of the original gold plating. The interior shows mild oxidization/residue buildup. The wood is also excellent, with some bubbling of the varnish, minor dings, and some loss of the black enamel finish on the stock mounting iron. 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.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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