Originally manufactured by Colt as a Model 1921 Thompson SMG, one of a number stuck in inventory due to sluggish sales; while today the Thompson is recognized as an American classic and one of the all-time finest "heavy metal" SMGs, at the time it was a novel, untested and expensive weapon, and few were willing to roll the dice. The U.S. Marine Corps was an early adopter, and the firm attempted to capitalize on the connection by adding "U.S. NAVY" markings to their 1921s, updating the features based on USMC feedback, and overstamping the "1921" to "1928" to match their newer model. According to Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers and Histories" (page 921), this particular Thompson was sold to the Police Department of Liberal, Kansas. A hotbed and stronghold of the American temperance movement, Kansas went "dry" decades before national Prohibition, and never actually ratified the 23rd Amendment; Kansas lawmen were fighting against liquor long before and long after it went out of style elsewhere in the country. The exact date, usage, and final disposition of Liberal's Thompson purchase is unrecorded. Blade front sight on the Cutts compensator and a folding Lyman rear sight, showing the signature cooling fins on the barrel, dual hardwood pistol grips, and a quick-detachable hardwood buttstock. The left side of the receiver has the aforementioned "U.S. NAVY" model markings ahead of the 5-line address and caliber markings, with the Thompson "bullet" logo on top and the Auto-Ordnance address, 6-line patent markings and "JHB" stamp on the right. The trigger group is numbered to match the receiver on the underside, with separate selector ("FULL/AUTO" and "SINGLE") and safety ("FIRE" and "SAFE") levers. Included with the SMG is one stick magazine, an Auto-Ordnance Type L 50-round drum, two boxes of ammo with U.S. markings, and one Thompson manual.

Very fine, with 80% of the slightly faded original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, the balance mostly a brown and gray patina, and mild spotting and handling marks. The wood is also very fine, with a few light dings and scratches. The drum magazine shows a dent in the exterior, and has not been function tested. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is 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.