Page 318 - 86-Book1

LOT 368
Documented Law Enforcement Shipped Colt Model 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case and Accessories - Serial no. 8142, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. One of the most famous sub-machine 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 816), this Thompson was originally shipped as part of as 12-piece order on April 11, 1930 to Chief Lester Tiffany of the Lake Forest, Illinois Police Department. In 1935 the Lake Forest PD would sell this as 1 of 2 Thompsons to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office of Wisconsin, and later it would pass through the inventories of Don Snowdon of Reno, NV and Recon-Ordnance of Fond du Lac, WI. Part of the “North Shore” region of the greater Chicago area, Lake Forest was reportedly one of the inspirations for the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald of Great Gatsby fame. Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, with the model and
Colt address on the left side of the receiver, “bullet” logo on top, and the patent markings and “JHB” inspection mark on the right. The trigger group is numbered to match beneath the stock, and fitted with a set of fully functional selector and safety switches. Internally, the bolt is an original 1921 lightweight bolt giving the gun an 800 RPM firing rate and is equipped with a mobile firing pin and a brass “Blish lock” device, as well as a wide spring and spring guide and the felt-padded oiler. Fitted with a set of traditional pattern walnut furniture. Included with
the Thompson is a 50-round “L” drum, four stick magazines, a black leatherette transport case, manual, cleaning rod, and two Waukesha County Sheriff patches. CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% of the original high polish blue finish, showing some bright edge wear and mild handling and cycling marks. The wood is very good, with mild scuffing and dents. 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:
55,000 - 80,000
316
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK COLT THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN SERIAL NUMBERS AND HISTORIES, VOL. I BY HERIGSTAD