Among the first practical pistol-caliber automatic weapons, the Thompson Submachine Gun is a significant part of the story of arms development as well as a signature American weapon. Providing a virtually unprecedented amount of compact firepower, the Thompson faltered a bit coming out of the gate as a commercial product; billed as the ultimate "anti-bandit" weapon for bankers, guards, ranchers and others with valuable property, the unproven design and $200 bill (over $3000 inflation adjusted to modern prices) made buyers leery. The successful use of the weapon by the USMC in Nicaragua and elsewhere sparked new interest, leading to a career of both fame and infamy on both sides of the "Public Enemy" era of American crime, as well as a role of distinction as America's premier submachine gun for World War II and beyond. Per the records in Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun" (page 184), this Thompson was part of a 125 piece order by W.S. Brown Incorporated of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, delivered on July 25, 1922. W.S. Brown was a dealer in a variety of products, including Colt handguns. The records next list the item in the inventory of the Law Enforcement Ordnance Company of Athens, Georgia, in 1973, noting an advertisement listing it "as new in grease, unfired", with further listings in the inventory of Miller's Guns in 1980, the Henry McKennley collection in 1980, and the inventory of Mike Free in 2000. The records further note the item as appearing in the January 2002 edition of Small Arms Review (page 89) and the book American Thunder II (page 57/61) by Frank Iannamico. Blade front sight, flip-up Lyman rear sight graduated to 600 yards, proper witness marks on the finned barrel and receiver, and the circled "JHB" inspectors mark of Major John Barret directly behind the ejection port. The trigger housing is numbered to match the receiver, with knurled controls, and the internals are proper 1921 pattern with the large spring and spring guide, articulated firing pin, brass Blish lock, and felt pad oiler. Fitted with a pair of pistol grips and a quick-detach buttstock, the latter correctly stamped with an "anchor" and holding a nickel finished oiler in the butt trap. Two magazines are included, one Auto-Ordnance stick magazine and an Auto-Ordnance 50-round Type "L" drum. Provenance: The Joe Miller Collection (Miller's Guns); The Henry McKennley Collection; The Mike Free Collection

Excellent, with 95% plus original high polish blue finish, with some light handling marks, scratches and an extremely small amount of pitting concentrated on the forward receiver and trigger housing. The wood is also excellent, with a few light dings and chips. 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.