Originally manufactured by Colt as a Model 1921 Thompson SMG, one of a number stuck in inventory due to sluggish sales; while today the Thompson is recognized as an American classic and one of the all-time finest "heavy metal" SMGs, at the time it was a novel, untested and expensive weapon, and few were willing to roll the dice. The U.S. Marine Corps was an early adopter, and the firm attempted to capitalize on the connection by adding "U.S. NAVY" markings to their 1921s, updating the features based on USMC feedback, and overstamping the "1921" to "1928" to match their newer model. According to Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers and Histories" (page 577), this particular Thompson was shipped to the Police Department of Alliance, Nebraska on 21 February 1935, later passing through the hands of a number of collectors and dealers starting in 1982. The county seat of Box Butte County, Alliance's greatest claim to fame is Carhenge, an art piece made in emulation of Stonehenge, but with cars instead of stones. Blade front sight on the Cutts-marked compensator and a folding Lyman rear sight, showing the signature cooling fins on the barrel, beautiful Remington burled walnut dual pistol grips and quick-detachable buttstock with a small "anchor" on the front. The left side of the receiver has the aforementioned "U.S. NAVY" model markings ahead of the 5-line address and caliber markings, with the Thompson "bullet" logo on top and the Auto-Ordnance address and 6-line patent markings on the right. The trigger group is numbered to match the receiver on the underside, with separate selector ("FULL/AUTO" and "SINGLE") and safety ("FIRE" and "SAFE") levers. The internals are of the 1928 pattern, with the reduced spring and spring guide and correspondingly heavier bolt assembly, with brass Blish Lock and felt padded oiler. Included with the Thompson is a Auto-Ordnance New York 50-round "L" drum magazine, a period nickel oiler inside the buttstock compartment, a black leatherette FBI transport hard case, four period 20-round stick magazines, period cleaning rod, and assorted correspondence.

Excellent, with nearly 95% original blue finish, showing areas of edge wear, mild handling/cycling marks, and mild spotting. The wood is fine, with a number of light scratches and dents overall, as well as a few thin cracks in the stock near the mounting iron. The case shows mild wear. 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.