One of the most famous submachine guns in the world, the Thompson SMG rates as one of the truly signature American weapons. While advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials would allow later designs to match or exceed the Thompson's performance, none of them have managed to do the job with the same level of style and craftsmanship. The Thompson, a product of old-school hand craftsmanship, is virtually synonymous with the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, being found on both sides of the law during the "gangland" era of American history, and also serving on all Allied fronts of World War II, where it stood tall among its more cost-effective stamped steel substitutes. Per the records in Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun" (page 576), this Thompson was shipped as a single item to Sheriff G.R. Lackey of Pittsburg(sic) County, Oklahoma on July 7, 1933. Sheriff Lackey would later register the gun in 1934, in compliance with the recently passed National Firearms Act, and it entered private ownership around 1981. Named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for their active role in the coal industry, Pittsburg County would be among the last Oklahoma counties to go fully "wet", finally permitting by-the-drink sales of wine and liquor in 2000. Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, with an unmarked Cutts-style compensator and the signature finned barrel. The receiver is marked with the model and five-line Colt address on the left side, and the Auto-Ordnance patents, address, and "JHB" on the right, and the trigger group is numbered "3780" beneath the stock, and fitted with a set of fully functional selector and safety switches. Internally, the bolt is equipped with a mobile firing pin and a brass "Blish lock" device, as well as a wide 1921 pattern spring and spring guide and the felt-padded oiler. Fitted with a set of traditional pattern walnut furniture, with "PC50" marked on the left side of both pistol grips and the buttstock; the significance is unknown, but it may be a property or inventory mark. Includes a modern black leatherette FBI style case with blue velvet lining, four stick magazines, Auto-Ordnance type "L" 50-round drum, and two tan canvas "U.S." marked magazine pouches (1 drum pouch, 1 5-stick pouch).

Fine, with 60% of the original blue finish, showing a mixed gray and brown patina to the receiver and trigger group, with bright edge wear, spotting and handling marks overall. The wood is very good, with some light scratches and dings in addition to the markings. The accessories are in fine order. 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.