One of the most famous submachine guns in the world, the Thompson 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 691) show this 1921 as having been part of a four-piece order (but shipped alone on May 16, 1928) for the Buckeye Cycle Company in Akron, Ohio via Auto-Ordnance salesman E.E. Richardson, later going to the Police Department of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio at an unspecified date, and entering private hands in 1980. Blade front sight 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 two Auto-Ordnance Type "L" 50-round drum magazines, four 20-round stick magazines, two brass cleaning rods and a black leatherette transport case with a tag added near the handle identifying it to Cummins State Prison (likely indicating the Cummins Unit/Cummins State Farm, a prison farm in Lincoln County, Arkansas). This Thompson is sequentially numbered with the previous lot in the sale, which is also documented to an Ohio law enforcement establishment.

Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, minor scratches and an extremely small patch of dark rust on left side of reviver and light handling marks. The wood is very fine, with some chipping around the buttplate and minor scuffs and scratches overall. The case is fine with minor wear. 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.