This is a very fine example of an original WWII M3A1 "Grease Gun" as manufactured by the Ithaca Gun Company. This model was developed in 1942/43 as a cheaper replacement for the expensive to manufacture M1928 Thompson SMG. It was designed along the same concept as the STEN and MP40 SMGs by using a stamped sheet metal and welded receiver with an machine bolt and barrel. During the war they were able to manufacture thousands for a fraction of what it cost to produced a Thompson SMG. It fired from an open bolt and had a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 500-600 rpms. The side of the receiver is stamped "SUB-MAC. GUN/CAL .45 - M3A1"over a small DOD Defense Eagle acceptance proof and "ITHACA GUN Co., Inc." This example is the later improved M3A1 version introduced in 1944, that did away with the side mounted cocking handle and instead used a cutout in the side of the bolt to actually cock the weapon. It has a fixed blade front sight, peep rear sight welded on top of the receiver, and a telescoping wire buttstock. The sides of the grip had a raised dimpled pattern that provided a better gripping surface. It some with 3 original, 3 pocket type green canvas magazine pouches, nine original magazines (3 each brand new still wrapped, 5 each blued and one parkerized), and a clamp on flash hider.

Very fine with 90% of its light gray parkerized finish overall with exposed metal surfaces having browned out somewhat, mixed with a silvery/gray patina on the edges and high spots. The magazine pouches and magazines are all in excellent condition. NOTE: This weapon is a restricted, National Firearms Act (NFA) Class 3, Fully Automatic Weapon, that 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. This weapon is currently registered as being "LIMITED TO USE AS A SALES SAMPLE (Pre-86)" and as such can only be purchased by an FFL, with a Class 2 or Class 3 SOT License.