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 820), this particular Thompson was shipped to the Sheriff's Office of Cheyenne County, Nebraska, as a single item on March 24, 1934. The item is also recorded in the Henry McKennley collection and the inventory of dealer Mike Free of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in 2000. It is further noted that this 1928 was featured in the book "American Thunder II" (pages 67/71) by Frank Iannamico. Blade front sight on the unmarked Cutts-style compensator and a folding Lyman rear sight, showing the signature cooling fins on the barrel, dual pistol grips and quick-detachable buttstock with a small "anchor" on the front. 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 Thompson "bullet" logo on top and the Auto-Ordnance address and 6-line patent markings on the right. 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 and felt padded oiler. Two magazines are included, one Seymore Products stick magazine and an Auto-Ordnance Type "L" 50-round drum. Provenance: The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, Sidney, Nebraska; The Henry McKennley Collection; The Mike Free Collection