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Vietnam War Commemorative 1928 Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Number VNA0200
LOT 3386
Auto-Ordnance Model 1928 Vietnam Commemorative Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Case and Accessories - Serial no. VNA0200, 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 Vietnam War. While purchase of new military Thompson SMGs halted after World War II in favor of the more cost effective M3 “Grease Gun”, the American stock of 1928, 1928A1, M1 and M1A1 Thompsons remained viable
for decades, seeing action in Korea as a “substitute standard” and deployed by the Navy for shipboard defense and security.
A large number of Thompsons landed in Vietnam, chiefly intended to arm up the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and other allied forces with a potent close combat weapon, though many worked their way back into American hands. Many also served on the opposite side of the conflict, with NVA and VC troops making use of Thompsons stolen from the Americans, supplied by the Chinese, or made in-country. Made as part of a limited run of 1,500, 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 walnut 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, black leatherette “viola” case, twenty-seven extra magazines (one 10-round, the remainder 20 or 30, some in paper wrapping or modern plastic packaging), four tan canvas 3-cell mag pouches with USMC markings, and
a grouping of paperwork from the initial order and acquisition of this Thompson from AHF. 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 3385). CONDITION: Excellent, with 98% plus
original blue/gold finish, showing some
light handling marks overall and some wear on the magazine catch and controls. The wood is equally excellent, with some minor dings. 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
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