Manufactured about 1921-1922, this is an excellent example of an original Colt Thompson Model 1921 sub-machine gun. One of the most famous sub-machine guns in the world, and certainly an American classic, the "Tommy Gun" or "Chicago Typewriter" is a finely crafted weapon, capable of firing full or semi-automatic from an open bolt, using drum or stick magazines, and either with or without a shoulder stock. Expertly made from milled steel and polished hardwood, this type of high-class bullet hose would go out of style in favor of less expensive stamped steel SMGs like the Sten and M3, but not before making it's mark on history and the public imagination. Blade front and folding adjustable peep rear sights, with the signature Cutts compensator and cooling fins on the barrel, the model and address markings on the left side of the receiver and the Auto-Ordnance patents and address on the right next to a faint "JHB" inspection mark, and the trigger group is fitted with a set of fully functional selector and safety switches. The bolt is still fitted with an early "Blish Lock" device, a mechanical blowback delay mechanism; intended to bear against the receiver during cycling similar to a roller-lock, the Blish Lock, simply put, didn't work, and was often discarded as an unneeded part. A 50-round "L" configuration drum magazine is included. The stock is fine hardwood with a parkerized mounting iron. This Thompson is identified by serial number in the numerical listing to Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun" as having been shipped to Captain D.S. Leonard, Detroit, Michigan, on October 1, 1931, and was issued to the Detachment at Detroit (District-2, Post-29, east side of Michigan). The gun was transferred out in April 1974.

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing some mild wear and rubbing concentrated on the barrel and along the high edges, along with some mild handling marks. The wood is excellent, with light handling marks and attractive grain. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This item is restricted as 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 478.