This is a fine example of an original, fully automatic, early production Colt M1921A Thompson Submachine Gun. This particular gun was manufactured very early on in the original Colt production with a four digit serial number noted to fall within a small group of submachine guns, 1 of 65, that was originally purchased by the Detective Publishing Company, Chicago Ill., that was actually shipped as 2 gun shipment in August 1927. It was then forward shipped as "1 of 3" weapons, to the Police Dept. of East St Louis, Ill. It was then retained with the St Louis Police Dept. for some time eventually being sold several times to various collectors/dealers over the next 50 years, eventually being offered for sale by the Armament Services International Inc. in Feb 2008, and eventually being offered by the current consignor. This data is listed/shown on page 462-463 of the book the "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers" by Herigstad. Approximately 15,000 sets of 1921 parts were initially produced with almost all of them being later used in the more successful M1928A1 configuration. The receiver is marked "MODEL OF 1921/4580", along with the standard five-line factory markings: "THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN/CALIBRE 45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE/MANUFACTURED BY/COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.". The right side is marked "AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION/NEW YORK U.S.A." followed by the standard five-line patent dates. Directly behind the ejection port is the circled "JHB" inspectors mark of Major John Barret. The left side of the "matching" trigger housing is marked: "AUTOMATIC" and SEMI-AUTOMATIC" along with "FIRE" and "SAFE", serial numbered "4580" on the underside. This model would be considered an "A" model which identifies it as a standard grade without the patented "CUTTS" compensator on the end of the barrel, which is correct for these early models, and it still retains its early solid head, recoil spring guide and square forward cut in top of receiver. These early Thompsons have the distinctive finned barrel, the fully adjustable Lyman tangent rear sight with sight protectors, the walnut vertical fore grip, and the detachable walnut buttstock with the butt trap. The gun is complete with one unmarked Colt type 20 round stick magazine.

Fine with 60% of the original blue finish remaining overall with edge and high spot wear, with both sides and lower edges of the receiver and upper edges of the trigger housing (where they meet) showing considerable thinning overall, mixed with a gray/brown patina. The front sight/muzzle area and tops of the cooling fins show some thinning also. The wood components are all in very good condition with a nice dark matching color overall showing light handling marks and pressure dents on the sides in some areas. Obviously from actual police use and handling over the years. The markings are clear and sharp. A nice example of an actual police use Colt/Thompson Model 1921A submachine gun. 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.