November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
Extremely desirable early “square slot” Colt 1921A Thompson with original 1921 internal parts. Often these guns were retrofitted with Cutts compensators subsequently ordered from the factory and installed, or sometimes with the gun being sent back for factory retrofit. There are quite a few collectors who seek the 1921A without a compensator as the example missing from their collection. Some very pragmatic collectors/shooters have said to this cataloger, “I like shooting my 21A. It is easier to clean the barrel.". These early Thompsons are recognizable because they have a squared off actuator slot and “AUTOMATIC” and “SEMI-AUTOMATIC” selector markings. “JHB” inspection mark is clear and crisp on right side of receiver. 1 original matte finish 50 round “NEW YORK, N.Y. U S.A.” “PATENTED – JULY 20, 1920 DEC 7, 1920” marked drum is included with this lot as well as 2 “PATENTED – AUG 24, 1920” marked 20 round stick magazines. The fonts of the markings on the 2 stick magazines are distinctively different. A green web 50 round drum pouch marked “JT & L 1944” is also included with this lot. According to Herigstad research, this gun was originally shipped to the Logan Hardware and Supply Company, Logan WV as 1 of 28 guns ordered, and was in the first lot of 5 shipped on 5/21/21. The next owner documented was the West Virginia State Police in Charleston, West Virginia. After this, the next recorded owner was Edward Klein (dealer) out of Houston, TX (10/4/68). Subsequent owners listed in Herigstad's book reads like an All Star team roster of some of the better known (and discerning) machine gun collectors including J. Curtis Earl, Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum, Don Thompson, Mike McGinnis, Tom Maloney, Chuck Olsen, Brian Gustafson, and David Lansky. Electronic NFA registry indicates “THOMPSON” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original lustrous blue finish slightly thinning to an attractive gray patina at the high edges, and on the barrel. Very little wear to the contact points where the buttstock slides onto the lower assembly. Buttplate retain well over 90% of its original finish. Number “3”, likely a police property number is expertly stamped into the underside of the buttstock, visible were the gun to be placed into a storage rack muzzle up. Wood furnishings are extremely fine to near excellent, really attractive with only the slightest of handling marks. Bore is extremely fine, shiny bright lands and just starting to turn dark in the grooves. Bolt face extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select fire machine gun. Third model 50 round drum is extremely fine with no dings or dents and appears completely serviceable. Stick magazines also extremely fine to near excellent. Web drum pouch is in near excellent condition. A nice find for the Thompson collector who wants an attractive 1921A to display and/or shoot. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO & RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2022-11-66
Accessories
Canvas drum carrier, 2 Spare magazines