November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
This wooden Thompson machine gun box is one of several such boxes constructed by a U.S. Secret Service Armorer to provide a less recognizable profile, as well as more rigid, durable and secure container for agents to transport and secure their Thompson machine guns while assigned to security details. One can see the advantages incumbent to a more durable and stackable wooden box which could incorporate a hasp and lock as opposed to the traditional FBI and Police cases. This box will hold 1921 and 1921/28 Navy over-stamp Thompson Machine Guns. This cataloger knows a retired U.S.S.S. Armorer who can document and provide a letter of authenticity regarding this box. According to a very early armorer named Hitchcock this box was constructed in the upstairs of the U.S. Treasury building which served as the early armory for the U.S. Secret Service, which was part of the Department of the Treasury. One can readily see the fitted wooden interior for the Thompson with magazines and accessories as well as the now vacant holes where the hasp was fitted to the exterior. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine with brass carrying handle and dark blue paint on exterior. Wood interior fittings in good serviceable condition. A nice item with interesting history. JWK-2022-11-89.