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 299), this Thompson was originally shipped as a single item on February 19, 1931 to the Ashland, Ohio Police Department, care of John Gorham, Chief of Police. Ashland was an early adopter of Prohibition, shutting down all saloons in the county as early as 1907. The item would later be released to private trade, at some point being refitted with a 1928A1 pattern barrel, which in turn was replaced with an 1921AC-pattern barrel to restore the original configuration. Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, with an unmarked Cutts-style compensator and the signature finned barrel. This early production Thompson has "AUT-ORD-CO" in the bullet logo. 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 an original 1921 lightweight bolt giving the gun an 800 RPM firing rate and 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. Includes a black leatherette C.O. Sweatnam FBI style case, modern black nylon soft case, brass cleaning rod, four "repeat patent" stick magazines and two Auto-Ordnance drum magazines, a 50-round "L" type #1964 and a 100-round "C" type #1968. Also included is a Third Edition copy of the aforementioned Herigstad text, signed on the interior by the author c.2003.

Excellent, with 90% plus of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, mild scratching and light handling marks. The wood shows mild scratches and dents, and is generally excellent. The accessories are in fine order overall. 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.