October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Colt 1921 Thompson with Cutts compensator retaining original 1921 internal parts and correct cartouched buttstock. Includes reproduction hard case with matching numbered (3750) body and cover early “New York, N.Y., USA” 50 round drum with nickel rotor. Also includes three 1920 patent date and one Bridgeport 20 round magazines, and one steel 16 ½” cleaning rod. Cutts compensator currently off gun is early unmarked type appropriate for this gun. What is really neat about this piece is that the consignor designed and machined a front sight which faithfully matched the height and position of the original blade on the compensator, and looks identical to the 1921A front sight, except that the newly machined piece extends threads which are designed to take Knight’s Armament MK23USP suppressor as manufactured for the H&K 23 pistol. In short, without any permanent alteration to the gun, one can change from original compensator to silencer simply by removing the retention pin and screwing the newly made front sight with threads, then silencer on. When one wants to put the compensator back on, just unscrew the silencer and then the newly made front sight and put the compensator back on. Magnificent idea, and it works! Consignor states he has shot many rounds out of this gun using the HK silencer. He purchased and included a new-in-box MK23/USP CAL. 45 silencer with this lot, as he retained the silencer he had been using. Gun has typical markings on receiver with visible serial numbers matching. “JHB” inspection mark visible on right side of receiver. The Colt Thompson is the most iconic of all American machine guns. The first in the line of Thompson machine guns produced it is a recognized symbol of the 1920's prohibition era as well as World War II. The Thompson spans a range across several collecting genres, with plenty of variations and accessories to appeal to a wide range of collector/investors. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent with deep lustrous blue original finish with some areas thing to a gray patina particularly at the high edges. Receiver exhibits some heat discoloration where barrel screws into receiver indicating barrel was replaced at some point. Index mark is perfectly aligned and there is no proofmark of any kind on the barrel. Buttplate finish thinning to a gray patina. Wood is extremely fine with a rich brown color and light handling marks. Drum has an extremely fine dull matte refinish. Magazine near excellent lustrous original finish. Very attractive! Mechanics are crisp. Bore is extremely fine shiny and bright. Bolt face extremely fine. This is a select fire machine gun. This is a welcome new contemporary variation for the Thompson. No doubt others have thought they would like the option for a silencer on their Thompson without altering the collectible nature of the gun. Well, here one is. A handsome example with very valuable accessories. These items will incur two separate transfer taxes if transferred on ATF Form 4’s. THESE ARE NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEMS AND REQUIRE BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THE MACHINE GUN IS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE WITH CUTTS COMPENSATOR ATTACHED. SUPPRESSOR WILL TRANSFER SEPARATELY. BOTH ITEMS ARE FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON ATF FORMS 3 OR 4. JWK 2019-10-78
Accessories
Case, drum magazine, 4 stick magazines, front sight and stock
Serial Number
(Gun) 7429 (Sup) MU9697