Lot 489: U.S. Auto-Ordnance Thompson Model 1928A1 Submachine Gun

Manufactured by Auto-Ordnance on contract from the United States Government, the Thompson 1928A1 is one of the signature American weapons of World War II, being deployed in every theater of the war, both in American hands and among numerous Allied units via equipment sharing and Lend-Lease supplies. The 1928A1 is still very close in overall fit and features to the original Roaring 20's/Great Depression "Chicago Typewriter" of gang warfare fame, retaining a number of options that would be eliminated from later production to lower cost and speed production. A number are believed to have been released to civilian and law enforcement buyers, having been left over after the military transitioned to the simplified M1 pattern Thompson. A blade front sight is installed on the unmarked Cutts compensator, with a Lyman folding ladder rear sight on the receiver. The barrel retains the cooling fins, with a civilian style pistol grip forearm (as opposed to the more common straight military style handgrip). Commercial standard markings are present on the top and sides of the receiver, with the "US MODEL 1928A1" marking on the left side of the receiver, no visible inspection marks, and an unnumbered trigger group with "FULL AUTO"/"SINGLE" selector lever and "FIRE"/"SAFE" safety lever, and a grooved pistol grip. The stock is the quick detach model with a trapdoor buttplate. One 20-round "stick" magazine is included.

Excellent, with 97% plus of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, scattered light scratches and dings, a few shallow scuffs on the left side of the receiver near the drum magazine slots, and a few small spots of rust. The wood is also excellent, with minor dings and scratches. 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.