One of the most famous sub-machine 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 435), this Thompson was originally shipped as one of seven to Murta-Appleton & Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, upgraded from a 1921A to a 1921AC, then transferred to the Philadelphia Police Department. It would remain in the PD's inventory until 1975, and pass through the collections of Keith Cort, Glenn Shaw, and Alex Hamilton. During the Prohibition Era Philadelphia was a notorious hotspot for bootlegging activity, a situation that grew so notorious that General Smedley Butler of the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of America's "banana wars" in Central America, was brought in to try and clean up; politics would drive him out of the city in less than 2 years, and he would declare the city a "cesspool". 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 to match 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 spring and spring guide and the felt-padded oiler. Fitted with a set of traditional pattern walnut furniture. A black leatherette "FBI" style case is included, which contains the SMG and the following included accessories: a brass cleaning rod, cleaning tools, four stick magazines, Auto-Ordnance "L" type 50-round magazine, and an extra barrel (blued, ribbed, no compensator).

Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, areas of brown patina, and a number of scratches concentrated on the right side of the receiver. The wood is also in very fine condition. The fine original case exterior shows scuffs and stains appropriate to age and use, and 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.