Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 498

Lot 498:Colt Model 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun

May 14th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 498

Lot 498:Colt Model 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun

May 14th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$37,500 - $55,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Exceptional Documented Law Enforcement Owned Colt Model 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with FBI Style Case and Accessories which Includes Four Drum Magazines

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 443), this Thompson was originally shipped to Berman's Sporting Goods of in Elkhart, Indiana, on June 10, 1929, later passing through the inventory of the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office and the Elkhart Police Department at unspecified dates. Indiana was a hotbed of temperance activity, passing their first statewide ban of alcohol as early as 1855 (declared unconstitutional in 1858, finally made to stick in 1918) and engaging in other anti-alcohol activity for many years prior to national prohibition, as well as harshly enforcing the laws underpinning the 18th Amendment, to the point of paying bounties to prosecutors for successful liquor-related convictions. 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 components have been switched over to the 1928 standard, with narrower mainspring and spring guide, bright bolt, blued charging handle, brass "Blish lock" and the felt-padded oiler. Fitted with a set of traditional pattern walnut furniture. Includes a modern black leatherette FBI style case, seven extra stick magazines, three vintage "L" type 50-round drums, a modern "C" type 100-round drum with spare rotor, reproduction Thompson catalog and a 1921-pattern bolt assembly.

ConditionExcellent, with 90% of the original blue finish, showing the start of a brown patina on the barrel and compensator, mild edge wear and handling marks. The furniture is very fine, with a darker color to the front grip and mild scratches and dings. The accessories are in very 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.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1921 Thompson
TypeMachine gun
Serial number
ClassClass III
Caliber / Gauge45 ACP
Barrel10 1/2 inch round
Finishblue
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views4721
Catalog page347
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 390Colt 1928 Navy Thompson, Class III/NFA C&R Machine Gun
View Lot
Lot 1345Auto-Ordnance/Savage 1928 Thompson, Class III/NFA C&R
View Lot
Lot 1354U.S. AO/Savage 1928A1 "Tommy Gun", Class III/NFA Machine Gun
View Lot
Lot 1351Auto-Ordnance M1 Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA
View Lot
Show More