This is a very fine example of an early Thompson Model 1921A submachine gun as produced by the Colt Firearms Company circa 1921/22. This specific submachine gun was originally sold to the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office and is so engraved on the left side of the receiver. This Thompson is identified by serial number in the book "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun, Serial Number Listing" by Herigstad's as having originally being sent to the Clossman Hardware Company in Zanesville, Ohio, on June 25, 1929, as "1 shipped". It is also listed as 1 of 3 submachine guns being transferred to the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office and so engraved on the left side of the receiver. It was later transferred to the Law Enforcement Ordnance Co. of Athens, Georgia, on Sept. 17th, 1976, and eventually resold on November 15th, 1977. In the included book "The Thompson Submachine Gun" by Roger A. Cox, this Thompson is listed by serial number as being originally purchased by the Muskingum County Sheriff Department, Zanesville, Ohio, on page 101. The Thompson SMG is probably one of the most famous and easily recognized SMGs ever produced. It was used extensively during the prohibition and gangland warfare era by both U.S. law enforcement agencies and the mafia and later by the USMC and Army. These 1921As had mediocre sales initially, with most being later upgraded to the 1921AC or the 1928 configuration; however, this example remains in its original 1921 configuration except it has had an unmarked compensator installed on the end of the barrel. This specific weapon has all the early distinctive features: short 10 1/2 inch barrel with cooling fins, the unmarked "Cutts" type compensator, vertical front pistol grip, detachable buttstock and adjustable Lyman marked ladder rear sight, graduated 100-600 meters, and the original early style, large headed, recoil spring guide. The left side of the receiver is marked "MODEL OF 1921/NO 5407." and with the full five-line legend. The right side is marked with the block style "AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION,/ NEW YORK U.S.A" markings along with the five lines of patent dates. 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 lower receiver/trigger housing group is correctly numbered "5407". As noted, the left side of the receiver has been professionally engraved with "Sheriff Muskingum Co." This wonderful SMG includes one original Auto-Ordnance Co. 50 round drum magazine, four original 20 round stick magazines, (2-original Colt era Patent Date, 1921 marked magazines and 2-original Auto-Ordnance marked stick magazines, a large loop brass cleaning rod and an excellent "police" style black carrying case that according to the consignor has original period nickel hardware and a large plexi-glass display case for the SMG. These were probably one of the best mass produced SMG ever manufactured.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish overall showing edge and high spot wear and blue loss and thinning on the exposed front end of the barrel, the compensator and high point on the receiver. The muzzle area of the barrel has been machined down to accept the compensator, and you can see some of the turning marks behind the compensator. The wood components are all in very fine condition with original oil finish on the stock, vertical foregrip and pistol grip, and the buttstock showing numerous light scratches and handling marks on the sides, and some minor handling marks on the sides of the vertical foregrip. The various accessories and reproduction "police" style case are all in very fine condition. 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.