This is a beautiful example of an original, very early production Thompson submachine gun as produced by the Colt firearms company circa 1921/22. This specific submachine gun has an early three digit serial number and is still in its original 1921 configuration. This early 1921 SMG really set the standard for all future SMGs produced by all countries. These early SMGs became infamous during their use by the various U.S. law enforcement agencies, during the gangland warfare in the 1920s and 1930s and again in 1928 by the USMC for use in Nicaragua. These 1921 models had somewhat mediocre sales during this time and most of them were upgraded to the 1928 model and were then stamped 1921/28. This early production model remains in it's original configuration with the original unaltered receiver markings, high polish blue finish, vertical fore-grip, and short barrel compensator. The primary difference between the 1921 and 1928 configuration was that the latter has a slightly reduced cyclic rate of fire, horizontal forend, and was usually equipped with a set of sling swivels. The Thompson SMG is probably one of the most famous and best manufactured machine guns ever produced. This is based on their superior manufacturing, using solid steel, fully machined parts to include the upper and lower receivers that exhibit excellent fit and finish. If you ever have a chance to disassemble one of these weapons you will be amazed at how well they were manufactured, the parts just slide together like glass. This specific weapon still has the early distinctive Thompson features such as; the original Auto Ordnance short compensator on the end of the barrel, the short 10 1/2 inch barrel with cooling fins, the vertical pistol grip, the detachable buttstock and the fully adjustable Thompson ladder rear sight that is graduated from 100-600 yards. This example also still retains the original early style large headed recoil spring guide. The left side of the receiver is now marked "MODEL OF 1921/NO. 366" with the original factory markings block towards the rear of the receiver marked "THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN/CALIBER .45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE/MANUFACTURED BY/ COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.". The right side is marked with single circled "JHB" inspector mark, followed by the five lines of patent dates along with the two line "AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION, NEW YORK U.S.A". The top of the receiver is marked with the original Auto-Ordnance "Bullet" logo with the early markings of "AUT-ORD-CO." inside the bullet logo. This lot is complete with one original 50 round, Type "L" drum magazine, manufactured by the Auto-Ordnance Corp. of NY along with one 20 round stick magazine and a green carrying case for the weapon and accessories. The serial numbers on the receiver and lower receiver/trigger housing group have matching numbers (366) and the underside of the trigger guard has been electric-pencil marked with police agency property marking of "24051/KY".

Excellent with 95% plus of the crisp original blue finish overall with some high spot wear, some vertical scratches present on the right side of receiver and rear, underside of the lower trigger/housing where the stock slides on. The wood components, stock vertical fore-grip and pistol grip are all excellent, showing a nice high luster oil finish with minimal handling marks on the upper sides of the buttstock. If you desire to own a Colt Model 1921 Thompson Submachine gun, here is your opportunity to own an extraordinary early production three digit serialized example! NOTE: This item is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, which has been 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 478. Before bidding on this item, it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to comply and understand with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.