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LOT 3333
Documented West Virginia Police Shipped Colt Thompson Model 1921 Submachine Gun, Class III/ NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Magazines and Case - Serial no. 2078, 45 ACP 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. Per the records in Herigstad’s “Colt Thompson Submachine Gun” (page 241), this Thompson was part of a 20-piece order shipped to Colonel Jackson Arnold, Superintendent of the West Virginia Department of Public Safety
on February 28, 1922. Only just established in 1919 and later re-designated the West Virginia State Police, the Department of Public Safety was a response to the West Virginia Mine Wars, a harsh struggle between mine ownership and mine labor that dragged local law enforcement in on both sides of the conflict. It would later be seen in the inventories of Edward Klein, J. Curtis Earl, Bridgeport Arms, and Robert E. Hogan. 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 “AUTOMATIC”/”SEMI- AUTOMATIC” 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 one 50-round “Type L” drum, four stick magazines (five magazines total), cleaning tools, and a black leatherette transport case. CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, bright edge wear and light handling marks. The wood is very fine, with minor chips and scuffs. The case shows mild wear and tear. 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 479.
220 Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL NUMBERS & HISTORIES BY HERIGSTAD