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Korean War Commemorative 1928 Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Number KWA200
250
LOT 3385
Auto-Ordnance Model 1928 Korean War Commemorative Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case - Serial no. KWA200, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured by Auto-Ordnance for distribution by the American Historical Foundation, this is a post-WWII 1928 Thompson submachine
gun in “1928A1” configuration, outfitted
and decorated as a commemorative piece for the Korean War. While purchase of new military Thompson SMGs halted after World War II in favor of the more cost effective M3 “Grease Gun”, the 1928, 1928A1, M1 and M1A1 Thompsons were not fully replaced
for many years, and they went into the field as a “substitute standard” when the Korean War broke out. Highly useful during the close quarters brawling that resulted from Chinese night assault tactics, Thompson-equipped GIs sometimes found themselves going
head to head with Thompson-equipped Chinese and Korean troopers, who also used the weapon (acquired through Warlord
Era private purchases, WWII-period U.S. military aid, and manufactured in-country)
as a supplement for their primary SMGs. Made as part of a limited run, this example
is a very close copy of the 1928A1, with
a fine gold plated finish applied to the compensator, cocking knob, rear sight
wings, trigger and sling swivels, a high
polish blue on the barrel and receiver flats, matte blue curves, and fancy hardwood
furniture. The receiver markings are in the commemorative style, with commemorative badges laid into the right side of the pistol grip and both sides of the buttstock. Fitted with a black leather sling. Included with the grouping is a glass-topped commemorative display case and a set of related papers, including the Certificate of Authenticity, correspondence related to the reservation of the serial number, and the book “Thompson Submachine Guns: Five Complete Manuals” from Desert Publications. Please note
that this is one of a group of three AHF commemorative Thompson submachine guns bearing the serial number 200 or 0200 (Lots 3384 and 3386).
CONDITION: Excellent, with 98% plus original blue/gold finish, showing a few dings on the magazine catch and minor handling marks overall, with the wood in equal condition. The magazine has been refinished, and
some spotting/wear is visible on the internal components. The furniture is in excellent condition. The magazine catch sticks a bit, otherwise 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.
Provenance: The Al Walker Collection. Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000