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. The records in Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun" (page 1019) show this 1921 as having been shipped in "1921AC" configuration as part of a 4-piece shipment to the Springfield Police Department of Springfield, Ohio, on an unspecified date, and later released to dealer J. Curtis Earl in 1971. A previous owner reached out to Springfield PD for more info and received copies of the department's correspondence with Earl about trading a batch of Thompson and Reising SMGs for other police equipment. Blade front sight on the Cutts-marked compensator and folding Lyman rear sights, standard 1921 nomenclature and markings on the receiver, with the matching numbered trigger housing fitted with knurled control surfaces and proper "FULL/AUTO"/"SINGLE" 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 lot are five extra stick magazines, one five-cell tan canvas magazine pouch, and two canvas cases.

Very fine, with 85% of the original blue finish, showing some bright wear around the charging handle and along the high edges, mild handling marks, and a small amount of spotting. The wood is fine, with traces of white paint on the buttstock and mild dings and dents overall. Accessories in fine order. 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.