April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
This is one of the Thompson machine guns featured in the July 1973 edition of GUNS AND AMMO magazine and extensively described in an article by Hank Drake. This particular Guns and Ammo publication introduced private machine gun ownership on a widespread scale to American gun owners and would-be gun owners. The serial number of this gun is clearly visible in the article photos. This is a Savage manufactured M1 Thompson which uncommonly retains its original bolt employing a separate hammer-fired firing pin. Right side of receiver marked “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT U.S.A.”. Both upper and lower assemblies marked with “S” indicating Savage manufacture. The M1 Thompson is a simplified and less costly to produce evolution of the 1928A1 Thompson. It eliminated the Blish lock system, making the receiver easier to manufacture, and eliminated the Cutts compensator. One can immediately recognize the M1 and its successor, the M1A1 Thompson, by noting the cocking handle / actuator on the right side as opposed to the top of the receiver. The M1 Thompson will NOT accept drum magazines, only stick magazines. This specimen has the simplified non-adjustable “L” rear sight with Thompson Bullet Logo on the top of the receiver. 1 30 round "SEYMOUR PRODUCTS" magazine is included, as well as its well-documented history of ownership. Electronic NFA registry indicates “AUTO ORDNANCE” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine to near excellent matte gray refinish with some wear to gray patina at the high edges. Upper receiver has two small areas of light pitting on the right side, under the refinish. Most, if not nearly all, World War II issued M1 Thompsons underwent arsenal refurbishment after WWII, and most were converted to the M1A1 configuration. The lower assembly finish is really outstanding, a near excellent attractive grey finish. Wood is near excellent with some extremely light handling marks and a filled-in light gash visible on the right side of the buttstock. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine to near excellent. The Thompson machine guns made by Savage during the WWII era are the most durable of their kind. The M1 Thompson is one of the most sought of the Military models because relatively small numbers were produced with the hammer-fired firing pin before the fixed firing pin Model M1A1 superseded it, and many of those were converted to the M1A1 bolt system. Both models were fielded with the U.S. Military during WWII and hold a special place in the collector community. This gun presents exceptionally well in addition to being a gun one can take to the range occasionally and enjoy. A great specimen of a true American military classic WW II Thompson machine gun, with unique collector’s provenance from its inclusion in the ground-breaking 1973 GUNS AND AMMO article, included with the gun. 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 2023-4-33
Manufacturer
Auto Ordnance
Paperwork
Provenance, Articles