GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
HISTORICAL EARLY "SQUARE SLOT" COLT THOMPSON MODEL OF 1921 MACHINE GUN USED TO GUARD JOHN DILLINGER (C&R). COLT 1921A 2265 45ACP MODERN; NFA; C&R Cal. 45 ACP. 10-1/2" bbl. This Colt Model 1921A Thompson is listed by SN as being shipped to The Adjutant General's Office in Indianapolis, Indiana and subsequently to the Indiana State Prison, Michigan City, Indiana in Gordon Herigstad's book. There is also an excerpt from an email from Gordon Herigstad to the previous owner substantiating this included as provenance. John Dillinger was incarcerated in Indiana State Prison from 1924-1933. This Colt Thompson without compensator retains its orig 1921 parts, 1921 bolt and actuator, external SNs match with typical markings throughout. Slot at the forward end of receiver is square as is found on the earlier manufactured Thompsons. Anchor proof mark visible at front of buttstock. Orig "Made in USA" oiler is included, as well as a reproduction hard case with key. One orig 50 rnd "New York N.Y., U.S.A." drum and one "Patented-AUG 20, 1920 AUG 24, 1920-JAN 11, 1921" 20 rnd magazine are also included. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This weapon is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or 4 as Curio & Relic eligible. PROVENANCE: Formerly of the Richard R. Wray Collection, Cincinnati, Ohio. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very fine orig finish thinning at the high edges and starting to turn grey at the rear of the lower assembly above the pistol grip. Wood is fine with some dings and handling marks. Mechanics are fine. Firing mechanism functions smoothly when operated by hand. Bore is likewise; fine, bright and shiny. 20 rnd magazine retains about 50% of its orig finish, thinning to a pleasing grey patina. Drum retains closer to 85-90% finish and is slightly misshapen at the bottom of the rear cover where it was apparently dropped at some point. Drum spring tension remains good and it appears serviceable. The Colt Thompson is the most sought after of the Thompson models, and when you add features such as early production, condition and historical provenance, this increases the desirability for both collectors and investors alike. This gun combines all the right elements for the most discerning and savvy collector. 52029-1 JWK63 (35,000-45,000)