Manufactured in the 1970s as part of the "A" suffix serial range, the Auto-Ordnance 1928 Thompson is virtually a perfect reproduction of the original vintage "Roaring Twenties" Tommy Gun. One of the signature weapons of the Prohibition Era, the Thompson was one of the great "heavy metal" sub-machine guns, operating semi or full automatic on an open bolt, fully machined with fine hardwood furniture; the later sheet metal guns may have had them beat for cost effectiveness, but not for style. Blade front and folding ladder peep sights, with the signature Cutts Compensator and cooling fins on the barrel, a set of contoured pistol grips, and a quick-detach buttstock. The trigger group is fitted with a set of full function selector and safety switches, and the receiver has the Auto-Ordnance patent info on the right and the model markings on the left, with the magazine slot configured for drum magazines and stick magazines. Internally, the bolt is in the classic configuration, with sliding brass "Blish Lock" device and a mobile, hinged firing pin, as well as the "U" shaped spring steel oiler. Four stick magazines are included, three standard configuration (one unmarked, one Seymour Products, one "W.P.S.") and one scarce Peters-Thompson "birdshot" magazine. Marketed as a less-lethal device for riot control and prison security, Peters manufactured a 45 ACP shotshell and a matching magazine that could be fired through a Thompson SMG with no modification; a user could swap between lightly-penetrating birdshot and full-house 45 caliber slugs just by changing magazines. The included drum magazine is an Auto-Ordnance "L" Type, configured for 50 rounds and "U" marked on the rear. The Thompson, the included magazines, and the also included brass cleaning rod and manual all fit in the included case, a black leather transport case bearing the tag of the Books Trunk Company of Kansas City on the lid, with steel reinforced corners and purple fabric inner lining.

Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some bright contact wear around the magazine area, the stock rail, and around the cocking handle, along with some light handling marks overall. Some light dents and scuffs are present on the buttplate, with the otherwise very fine wood showing some minor varnish loss and dings. The case is fine, with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.