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 1024), this particular Thompson was shipped to the Teller County Sheriff's Office in Cripple Creek, Colorado, on an unspecified date, later seen in the inventory of Western Firearms Co. of Grapevine, Texas in 1997. Established in 1899, Teller County was a major center of mining activity in Colorado, and the site of many incidents during the Colorado Labor Wars; while the Labor Wars happened well before the release of the Thompson SMG, they may have influenced the decision of the Sheriff to spend the money for top shelf portable firepower. 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. Provenance: Teller County Sheriff's Office; Western Firearms Company; Private Collection

Very fine, with 85% plus high polish blue finish, showing some oxidization inside the compensator, scattered light scratches, and some handling marks. The wood is fine, with scratches and dings concentrated on the buttstock. 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.