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. Navy 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 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 988), this particular Thompson was shipped to the Police Department of Rock Hill, South Carolina, on an unknown date. Later it would be recorded in the inventory of Crossroads Gun Shop, Terry Williams, Robert Heins, and Brian Madden. 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 "A.O.C." marked brass Blish Lock and felt padded oiler, buffer absent. Included with the lot are two modern cases, two extra barrels, two Type "L" 50-round drum magazines, ten stick magazines, a 22 caliber conversion unit with two magazines, an extra walnut buttstock, an extra Savage 1928A1 type walnut forearm, a box containing modern armorers tools and fixtures, a reproduction spare parts kit, numerous extra small parts for the gun, and a loose stock for an unidentified Winchester-style rifle. Provenance: The Robert Heins Collection; The Brian Madden Collection

Very fine, with 80% plus original blue finish on the receiver, 97% refinished blue on barrel, showing areas of brown and gray patina, mild spotting and light handling marks. The wood is fine as reoiled, with a replacement pistol grip forearm, and mild scratches and dings overall. Mechanically excellent. Accessories are in fine order. 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.