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 834), this particular Thompson was shipped to the Police Department of Charleston, South Carolina, on an unspecified date, as part of a 3-piece order. It was later recorded in the inventory of Robert Haines, Warren Kreisler and TTI Corp of Las Vegas, the last record being in 1986. Blade front sight on the Cutts-marked 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. Included with the lot is a later production black leatherette transport case, seven total stick magazines and one Auto-Ordnance "Type L" 50-round drum magazine. Provenance: The Charelston, South Carolina Police Department; The Robert L. Haines Collection; The Warren Kreiser Collection; T.T.I. Corp.; Property of a Gentleman

Fine, with 80% of the original blue finish on the receiver, 85% dull refinished blue on the trigger housing, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered light spotting, and mid handling marks. The wood is also fine, with some chipping on the rear pistol grip, and mild dents, scratches and varnish loss overall. Some of the internals have been polished, with the wings of the Blish lock reshaped. Mechanically excellent. Some of the magazines are rusted, and the case is good with mild wear. 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.