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LOT 3381
Auto-Ordnance Model 1928
Thompson Submachine Gun, “A” Serial
Range, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable
Machine Gun - Serial no. 1814A, 45 ACP
cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in the 1970s/1980s as part
of the “A” suffix serial range, the Auto-Ordnance 1928
Thompson is virtually a perfect reproduction of the
vintage Tommy Gun. One of the signature weapons of U.S.
history, the Thompson was one of the great “heavy metal”
submachine guns, operating semi or full automatic on an
open bolt, fully machined with fine hardwood furniture; the later sheet metal guns may have
had them beat for cost effectiveness but not for style. Blade front and folding ladder peep
rear sight, with the signature Thompson-marked Cutts Compensator and cooling fins on the
barrel, dual pistol grips, and a quick-detach buttstock. The trigger group is fitted with a set of
selector and safety switches, and the receiver has the Auto-Ordnance patent info on the right
and the model markings on the left. The magazine slot is configured for drum magazines
and stick magazines. Internals follow the 1928 pattern, minus the oiler assembly. Three extra
magazines, one 30-round
and two 20-round,
are included.
CONDITION: Excellent,
with 95% plus original
blue finish, showing bright
handling and cycling wear
overall, with scattered light
scratches and rubbing
under the charging handle.
Some shallow pitting is
visible on the bright areas of
the interior. The wood is very fine, with mild scattered dents and scratches. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
LOT 3382
Scarce Peters-Thompson 18-Round
Birdshot Magazine with 45 Auto Shot
Ammunition Box - Marketed with an eye towards
riot control and prison population management, the Peters- Thompson 45 Auto Shot Cartridge loads a cardboard “pill” of 120 pellets of #8 birdshot into a double crimped 45 ACP casing. Though slightly larger than a standard 45 round, the only modification needed to run the Peters-Thompson through Thompson’s SMGs and Carbines was a special elongated
magazine. The combination would allow a Thompson gunner to switch their weapon from a pistol caliber machine gun to a straight pull small bore shotgun by swapping the magazine, giving a less-lethal option while still having deadly force on hand and ready.
Very similar in appearance to the standard magazine, the shot magazine is blued steel with the legend “PATENTED- AUG.-24-1920/FOR 18 SHOT CARTRIDGES/AUG.-24-1920-JAN.-11-1921” stamped on the front. The box is brown paper construction, with “PETERS/RUSTLESS-RIOT CARTRIDGES” above an illustration of the Auto Shot round.
CONDITION: The magazine is fine, with 40% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, minor spotting, and light handling marks. It has not been test loaded, but retains good spring tension and shows no visible issues with the feed lips. The otherwise fine box has broken seals and has been rewrapped in cellophane; the weight feels right for a full box, but the contents have not been verified.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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