This is a very fine example of a Colt/Thompson Model 1921A submachine gun that was produced circa 1924. This specific SMG is still in its unmodified 1921A configuration, with the vertical walnut fore grip, and the highly desirable original early style large headed recoil spring guide, making it a quite rare example. These early 1921 SMGs are considered the "Cadillac" of SMGs, as they are extremely well made with fully machined and hand fitted parts with excellent bluing and solid all walnut forend, pistol grip and buttstock. This example is all original in that it retains its original high polish blue finish with the unaltered receiver markings of "MODEL OF 1921/NO.7148" followed by "THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN/CALIBER .45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE/MANUFACTURED BY/ COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." towards the rear of the receiver. The right side is marked with single circled "JHB" inspector mark, followed by the five lines of patent dates along with the two-line "AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION, NEW YORK U.S.A". This specific weapon still retains the standard early features such as the 10 1/2 inch barrel with cooling fins, the vertical pistol grip, detachable buttstock and the fully adjustable Thompson ladder rear sight that is graduated from 100-600 yards. The top of the receiver is marked with the original Auto-Ordnance "Bullet" logo. The serial numbers on the receiver and trigger housing group have matching numbers of 7148. It has the standard walnut front vertical grip, pistol grip and buttstock. The right side of the pistol grip is lightly stamped "PROPERTY STATE PATROL" and the left side of the buttstock has a small label attached that is marked: "PENNA STATE PATROL/PROPERTY TICKET NO./006744". This specific example has been documented in the reference book of Colt/Thompson serial numbers on page 734 as having been sold/shipped to the Ohio State Police in May 1934 in a shipment of six weapons, via the Standard Law Enforcement Company Willoughby, Ohio, resold in Feb 1985, then again in Jan 1988, then resold in Nov 1991 having resided with the current consignor. This exceptional Thompson SMG comes with three drum magazines; 2 of the "L" type 50 round drum magazines marked Auto-Ordnance and one Rare "C" type 100 round drum magazine, also marked Auto-Ordnance No. 1242 along with one 20 round stick magazine and the ubiquitous guitar shaped black Thompson SMG carrying case. These early models were a Marine Corp favorite during the Nicaragua campaign in 1928 and again by both law enforcement and gangsters throughout the 1920s and 30s during prohibition era.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish with edge and high spot wear overall with some light thinning on the sides of the receiver and the tops of the fins and compensator with blue loss on the underside area of the trigger housing behind the pistol grip. The wood components are all in excellent condition with only minor handling marks on the sides in some areas. 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.