September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Very Early (#103) Colt 1921 Thompson as originally manufactured without Cutts Compensator. Gordon Herigstad's serial number listing of serial numbers & histories indicates it was first shipped to Moore-Handley Hardware Company, Birmingham, Alabama on 4/20/21, and subsequently owned by DeBardeleben Coal Company; Birmingham Alabama Police Department; Areo Marine, Birmingham, Alabama; D.C.M. Ordnance; Ron Kovar Collection; John D. Eisinger Collection; and the Eric Fox Collection. In Herigstad’s book he notes that "Buttstock has brass plate on right side with “H1657”. Stock on this gun is anchor marked and indeed does have two holes for a brass plate, however no brass plate present. Please note that there will be a number of Thompson parts offered separately in this auction which includes a 1921 Thompson wood stock, and other wood furnishings and accessories. Two early 1920 patent date 20-round magazines are included with this lot, one of which has original authentic markings, and the other has forged markings on what was before an unmarked magazine (what a shame). Still, it is interesting to compare the two, and they make for an informative display. This gun retains its original 1921 internal parts, and the buttstock retains its "anchor" mark proof. Typical markings on receiver with visible serial numbers matching and correct early marked “Semi-Automatic” at selector as well as correctly early knurled switches. Crisp clear lettering and sharp edges throughout. Electronic NFA registry indicates “THOMPSON” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the personal and advanced collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very good on the receiver, improving to extremely fine forward of the ejection port and including the barrel, which has a perfectly aligned index mark. Receiver exhibits some significant brown patina and thinning original finish to gray patina on the left side. Right side is the side one would want to display as appearance and finish is much better on that side, although there is some light pitting and brown patina visible when viewed from that side as well. Barrel finish is extremely fine with blemish about 2" back from the muzzle. Close friend of Jim Watson states that he and Jim verified that this is the original serial numbered barrel to this gun. Finish on the metal of the pistol grip is thinning to a gray patina with pinprick brown patina. The actuator slot finish is extremely fine. Original wood is fine to extremely fine with some small chips and handling marks with and “E” on the left side pistol grip and hole, with buttstock condition noted as above. Bore is extremely fine to near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face is near excellent. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select fire machine gun. This is the lowest serial numbered Thompson this cataloger has cataloged for auction. Condition is not high (on the receiver), but from the standpoint of early features, fine original parts, and history, this guns has a lot to recommend it. 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 2024-05-072.
CORRECTION: Photos updated.
Accessories
Two 20 round magazines total
Manufacturer
Auto Ordnance