September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Exceptional find of a low 3-digit serial number Colt 1921A Thompson, with which the consignor was able to find and purchase the matching numbered original "C" drum to go with it. These drums were not originally offered with matched serial numbers to guns, so the only way the drums and the guns match in serial number is when some collector gets lucky, like this consignor was. The gun has a squared front actuator slot, and "Automatic" and "Semi-Automatic" selector markings, which immediately indicates to the discerning observer that it is an early manufactured gun. The upper and lower assemblies match, as does the original early "numbered on the breech end" barrel. The original "C" drum has matching numbers body and cover number "340", and it has the correct rotor. Additional accessories include 1 original 20 round "Blank" magazine, with no markings, a 2 volume set of Gordon Herigstad's definitive research work, "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers & Histories", sixth edition, 2014. The volumes have "340" on the binding, which also match this gun's serial number. Herigstad's research indicates that this gun was part of a two-gun shipment to, Watkins-Cottrell Company, Richmond, Virginia, for immediate transfer to the Richmond, Virginia police Dept, and subsequently conveyed to the Federal Reserve Bank, Richmond, VA on 10/30/24, with subsequent Form 1 registration on 9/22/34. Then to other individual owners starting in 1975. Additional accessories include 2 different badges from the Richmond police department, a cloth "bank bag" from the Federal Reserve Bank, Richmond, Virginia, 6 stacks of "stage money" with the top paper bill only looking like a 20, and 2 contemporary uniform patches, "Federal Reserve Bank, Richmond, Virginia, Special police", and "Federal Reserve Bank Special police". This gun retains its original 1921 internal parts including early square cut actuator, correct for the early square cut slot, and correctly "anchor proof" marked original buttstock. Typical markings on receiver with visible serial numbers matching. "JHB" inspection mark very clear on right side of receiver with crisp clear lettering and sharp edges throughout. Electronic NFA registry indicates “THOMPSON” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near extremely fine to near excellent deep lustrous blue original finish with slight loss of finish at the charging handle slot, safety, and at the stock attachment points. Finish is thinning at the top back of the lower and at right side of trigger guard, revealing a gray patina, with some slight thinning at the right side of the barrel. Buttplate finish thinned to a gray and brown patina. Wood on the gun is extremely fine with a rich brown color and light handling marks. Buttstock wood has more handling marks but remains very attractive. Bore is near mint, shiny and bright. Bolt is near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select fire machine gun. Drum is extremely fine to near excellent dull matte finish with good spring tension and clear markings. This Colt Thompson is notable not only for its excellent original condition and low serial number but also for the matching numbered "C" drum and detailed provenance in Herigstad's book. It is among the finest condition 1921A Thompsons this cataloger has ever seen. A rare opportunity for the advanced and discerning Thompson. 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 AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2023-9-55
Accessories
Herigstad book set, Police ephemera, Drum magazine