This is a beautiful example of an original, early production Thompson submachine gun as produced by the Colt Firearms Company circa 1921/22. This specific submachine gun remaining in it's early original 1921 configuration. These early 1921 SMG set the standard for all future SMGs produced by all countries. The Thompson SMG is probably one of the most famous and easily recognized SMGs ever produced and made infamous during the 1920s and 1930s by the various U.S. law enforcement agencies during the prohibition and gangland warfare era 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 as produced without the "Cutts" compensator. This is based on their superior manufacturing, using solid steel, fully machined parts which exhibit excellent fit and finish, that were highly reliable. 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 short 10 1/2 inch barrel with cooling fins without the "Cutts" compensator, early "AUTOMATIC and SEMI-AUTOMATIC" receiver markings, vertical front pistol grip, detachable buttstock and the fully adjustable Thompson ladder rear sight that is graduated from 100-600 yards, and the original early style, large headed, recoil spring guide. The left side of the receiver is now marked "MODEL OF 1921/NO 2221" 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 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. The serial numbers on the receiver and lower receiver/trigger housing group have matching numbers (2221) and this early example does not carry any additional visible Police markings. This excellent early SMG, does not have any magazines or accessories, however they are very easily acquired on the secondary market. Additional information: this specific SMG was produced in the June-July 1921 time frame and was issued to the West Virginia, State police, as noted in the excellent reference book: "The Ultimate Thompson Book" by Tracie Hill.