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LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL NUMBERS & HISTORIES, VOL. I BY HERGISTAD
LOT 385
Documented Abercrombie & Fitch
Shipped Colt Model 1921 Thompson
Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully
Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 6933,
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 714) recount a long and somewhat winding history for this Thompson.
The initial record places it as part of a 14-piece order for Abercrombie & Fitch shipped out
from Colt on October 15, 1929. Known primarily as a fashion brand today, Abercrombie & Fitch
started as a leading sporting goods and outdoor outfitter in New York City, with an association
with sporting double barrel shotguns, early Luger pistol imports, and other desirable firearms;
this is the first example of an A&F machine gun we’ve had on hand. The records show a sale
to a “Dr. J.C. Barnett” the next day; no details about Doctor Barnett are recorded. The next
record for the gun is a Form 1 registration performed by the police department of Alpine, New
Jersey, where it shows up in their inventory as a unserviceable/DEWAT item with a plugged
and welded barrel; the links between Doctor Barnett and the Alpine Police Department
are unknown. From Alpine, the Thompson went to dealer Harry Mann of Las Vegas, who
re-registered the weapon during the 1968 amnesty. It would later enter the collection of Ryan
Holder, who had the weapon re-activated in 2005. Blade front sight on the unmarked Cutts-
style compensator and folding ladder rear sights, with the signature ribbing on the barrel, Colt
address and model marking on the left side of the receiver, Auto-Ordnance trademark/patents
on the right, and the “bullet” logo on top. The trigger housing is numbered to match the
receiver, with knurled controls. Internals are proper 1921 pattern, with Blish Lock mechanism,
heavyweight recoil spring, and spring steel oiler. With dual pistol grips and an “anchor” marked
quick detach buttstock. One 20-round stick magazine is included.
CONDITION: Excellent as rebarreled, with 97% of the bright blue finish, showing a few areas of
brown patina on forward edge of left side of receiver, and light handling marks. A small welded spot is visible on the front left of the receiver, a remnant of the DEWAT process. The wood is also excellent, with minor dings and scuffs. 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.
322 Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000