One of the most famous submachine guns in the world, the Colt Thompson 1921 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 Colt Thompson 1921’s performance, none of them have managed to do the job with the same level of style and craftsmanship.

The Colt Thompson 1921, 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. The records in Herigstad’s “Colt

Colt Thompson 1921 Submachine Gun” (page 807) show this 1921 as having been shipped in “1921A” configuration as part of a 10-piece shipment to the Lake Forest Police Department of Lake Forest, Illinois on April 11, 1930. It would later be part of a group of two attributed to the Norwood Police Department of Norwood, Ohio, and in the inventory of the Law Enforcement Ordnance Company of Athens, Georgia in 1977.

Blade front and folding Lyman rear sights, standard 1921 nomenclature and markings are present on the receiver, with the matching numbered trigger housing fitted with knurled control surfaces and proper “FULL/AUTO”/”SINGLE” and “FIRE”/”SAFE” switch configuration. Internals are proper 1921 pattern, with Blish Lock mechanism, heavyweight recoil spring, and spring steel oiler.

Colt Thompson 1921 With dual pistol grips and a quick detach buttstock with a small “anchor” stamp on the front. Included with the Thompson are two 50-round “Type L” drum magazines, four stick magazines (six magazines total), black leatherette transport case, brass cleaning rod, vintage Model 1921 Manual, a custom made Norwood PD novelty badge (numbered to match the Thompson) and a Norwood PD shoulder patch.

Rating Definition: Colt Thompson 1921
Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing a few areas of brown patina, bright edge wear, mild handling marks overall, and some spotting on the buttplate. The wood is also in excellent condition, with mild scattered dings and scratches. The accessories all appear to be in fine order. Mechanically excellent. Colt Thompson 1921

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 479.