October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
After decades in the possession of the consignor who was able to carefully choose from the very best, this Thompson has been consigned to Morphy’s for public sale. Very fine specimen of a Colt 1921 Thompson retaining original 1921 internal parts and correctly cartouched 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. One matte finish original 3rd model “New York, NY” 50 round drum is included. The Colt 1921 Thompson without compensator is the scarcer of the original 1921 models to find as many had a Cutts compensator added later. This cataloger likes this model for a very simple straightforward reason. Easier to clean the barrel without a compensator on it. The first configuration in the line of Thompson machine guns produced it is a recognized symbol of the 1920's prohibition era as well as later and into 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. The gun that started the line was the Colt model 1921A. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent deep lustrous blue original finish with slight loss of finish at the forward edge of the charging handle slot, and at the stock attachment points. Buttplate finish thinning and turning a brown patina with thinning to a gray at the high edges. Wood is extremely fine with a rich brown color and light handling marks. Drum has extremely fine a dull matte finish with wear to gray patina at high contact points. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright with some tiny pits near the muzzle and just a little loss of finish where the rifling meets the muzzle. Bolt is extremely fine. This is a select fire machine gun. One of the best condition of the 1921A models to surface in recent years. A rare opportunity for the Thompson collector. 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 2019-10-173
Accessories
1 50 round Drum