Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #57
  • Lot #1759
Lot #1758
Lot #1760

Lot 1759: Colt 1921 Thompson Machine gun 45 ACP

Excellent Early Colt Model 1921 Full Automatic Class III "Thompson" Submachine Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: November 30, 2012

Lot 1759: Colt 1921 Thompson Machine gun 45 ACP

Excellent Early Colt Model 1921 Full Automatic Class III "Thompson" Submachine Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: November 30, 2012

Estimated Price: $32,500 - $45,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Excellent Early Colt Model 1921 Full Automatic Class III "Thompson" Submachine Gun

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1921 Thompson
Type: Machine gun
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 10 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4108
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 301
Class: Class III
Description:

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.

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 90% plus of the original blue finish overall, showing only minor edge and high spot wear on the rear lower receiver near stock, with clear sharp markings. As note the receiver and lower trigger housing/receiver group have matching serial numbers. The two pistol grips are both excellent with a nice dark American walnut tone with minimal handling marks, while the buttstock is very fine overall, showing light handling marks, mixed with some light pressure dents with a approximately 6 inch age crack starting on the right side, which could be easily repaired. 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.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #226: H&R Model 50 Reising, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable

    Lot #478: AWC Systems Mk9A Silencer, Class III/NFA Silencer

    Lot #800: M23 Machine Gun Cradle with Side Ammunition Tray

    Lot #442: Sentinel Arms Striker 12, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

    Lot #1253: U.S. National Postal Meter M1 Semi-Automatic Carbine

    Lot #260: MG-34 Machine Gun Tripod