One of the most famous submachine 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. The records in Herigstad's "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun" (page 753) show this 1921 as having been shipped in "1921AC" configuration as part of a 11-piece order by the Marshall-Wells Company of Duluth, Minnesota on May 27, 1929. Established in 1886 and operating under the Marshall-Wells name from 1893 onward, the company was a major wholesaler and retailer of hardware in the United States and Canada, and like many hardware companies before the 1968 Gun Control Act dealt in a variety of firearms. Blade front sight on the unmarked Cutts-pattern compensator and folding Lyman rear sights, standard 1921 nomenclature and markings 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. Dual pistol grips ("11" stamped into the left side of the rear grip) and a quick detach buttstock with a small "anchor" stamp on the front. Included with the lot is one Type "L" 50-round drum magazine, three 30-round stick magazines, a tan canvas magazine pouch with "U.S.M.C." and "R.M.CO." markings, a cleaning rod, and a transport case.

Very fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina on the compensator and trigger housing, bright wear on the high edges, scattered dings and light scratches, and minor spotting. The furniture is very good, with dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent. The magazines and pouch are fine, and the case is fair, with damaged latch hardware and material missing from the sides. 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.