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LOT 3388
Documented Law Enforcement
Shipped Colt Model 1921/1928 U.S.
Navy Overstamp Thompson Submachine
Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable
Machine Gun, with Extra Magazines - Serial
no. 4042, 45 ACP cal., 10 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured by Colt
as a Model 1921 Thompson SMG, one of a number
stuck in inventory due to sluggish sales; while today the
Thompson is recognized as an American classic and one
of the all-time finest “heavy metal” SMGs, at the time it was a novel, untested and expensive
weapon, and few were willing to roll the dice. The U.S. Marine Corps was an early adopter,
and the firm attempted to capitalize on the connection by adding “U.S. NAVY” markings to
their 1921s, updating the features based on USMC feedback, and overstamping the “1921”
to “1928” to match their newer model. According to Herigstad’s “Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial
Numbers and Histories” (page 403), this particular Thompson was shipped to the San Bernardino County
Sheriff’s Department in California on an unspecified date. Part of the Greater Los Angeles area, San Bernardino
is the largest county in the contiguous United States, occupying a portion of Southern California comparable
to the entire state of West Virginia. Records are limited, consisting only of a note about the “SBCo” marking
on the stock and recording of the Thompson in a private Massachusetts collection in 2003. Blade front sight
on the Cutts-marked compensator and a folding Lyman rear sight, showing the signature cooling fins on the
replacement barrel, dual pistol grips and quick-detachable buttstock with “SB.Co” branded into both sides.
The left side of the receiver has the aforementioned “U.S. NAVY” model markings ahead of the 5-line address
and caliber markings, with the “AUT-ORD-CO bullet” logo on top, the Auto-Ordnance address, 6-line patent
markings and “JHB” in a circle on the right, and “S.B.CO.” on the bottom ahead of the magazine well. The trigger
group is numbered to match the receiver on the underside, with knurled selector (“FULL/AUTO” and “SINGLE”)
and safety (“FIRE” and “SAFE”) levers. The internals are of the 1928 pattern, with the reduced spring and spring
guide and correspondingly heavier bolt assembly, with brass Blish lock, “S” marked charging handle and felt
padded oiler. Included with the lot is a modern transport case, two Type “L” 50-round drum magazines (one
modern, one “U” marked) and fourteen stick magazines.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered
spotting and light scratches and dings. The revarnished stock is very good, with mild dings and chips; the
foregrip shows signs of having once been fit out with a British military style sling swivel. Internals include
some later components, mechanically excellent. Accessories are all very good or better. 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.
Provenance: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, California; Private Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000
Listed by serial number in
Colt Thompson Submachine
Gun Serial Numbers &
Histories by Herigstad
242