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LOT 381
Police Documented Colt Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun with Extra Magazines and Case - Serial no. 8006, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch round 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 807) show this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921A” configuration as part
of a 10-piece shipment to the Lake Forest Police Department of Lake Forest, Illinois on April 11, 1930. It would later be part of a group of two attributed to
the Norwood Police Department of Norwood, Ohio, and in the inventory of the Law Enforcement Ordnance Company of Athens, Georgia in 1977. Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, 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 a quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. Included with the Thompson are two 50-round “Type L” drum magazines, four stick magazines (six magazines total), black leatherette transport case, brass cleaning rod, vintage Model 1921 Manual, a custom made Norwood PD novelty badge (numbered to
308 match the Thompson) and a Norwood PD shoulder patch.