This is a beautiful example of a like new all original Model 1921 Thompson submachine gun as produced by the Colt firearms company circa 1921/22. These early model 1921 SMG really set the standard for all future SMGs and is probably one of the best manufactured machine guns ever produced. This is based on the use of superior manufacturing, using all solid steel, fully machined parts that exhibited excellent fit and finish. These early SMGs became infamous during the 1920s due to their use by both U.S. law enforcement agencies and various major criminals and gangsters. These original unaltered Colt model 1921s are difficult to find today as most were upgraded and remarked to the 1928 model. The primary difference between the 1921 and 1928 configuration was that the latter had a modified locking block to help reduced their cyclic rate of fire to a more manageable level and they had a horizontal forend, and were usually equipped with sling swivels on the buttstock and forend. This specific weapon still has the early features such as: the short 10 1/2 inch barrel with cooling fins that is fitted with an original unmarked short/slotted compensator, 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 and a set of matching dark walnut wood components. The left side of the receiver is now marked "MODEL OF 1921/NO. 3253" 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 "AUT-ORD-CO." markings inside the bullet logo. The serial numbers on the receiver and lower trigger housing have matching numbers "3253". This beautiful Thompson is complete with one original 50 round, Type "L" drum magazine manufactured by the Auto-Ordnance Corp. of NY with the 1920 patent dates on the back, five original 20 round stick magazines, an original brass cleaning rod, a reproduction Thompson instruction manual, one full box (50 rds) of Peters Rustless 45 AUTO shot cartridges and an "original" and very rare black leatherette FBI carrying case. A box of 45 auto shot Peters Report marked included.

Excellent with 97% plus of the original blue finish overall with only edge and high spot wear. The wood components are all in excellent condition with a beautiful dark brown color with only very minor handling marks in a couple places. Mechanically excellent. The various accessories are all in excellent condition. The leather covered FBI case is in very fine condition with all the leather covering being intact with only minor wear and finish loss on the reinforcing leather corners. The locks and hinges are all in tact and work properly. The blue felt interior is also all intact with the only noticeable wear being the ends of the carrying handle showing some fraying from actual use and carrying. A really, super high end condition, original Colt Thompson Model 1921 SMG complete rig. This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) that 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 to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.