September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
This is a very attractive Savage manufactured Auto Ordnance Model 1928A1 Thompson with flaming bomb proof on left side of receiver above “GEG” proof, and “RLB” (LTC Ray L. Bowlin), the Army Inspector of Ordnance with jurisdiction over the Savage plant from 1940 until 1942. This is an early production gun with Lyman adjustable rear sight and finned barrel, as well as hand-stamped added “US” (note without periods behind the letters) and “A1” markings. Note that this Thompson is one of the highly desirable “Military Used” Thompsons which will accept Drum magazines as well as stick magazines. This specimen has an uncheckered actuator. Cutts Compensator has bullet logo on left side with diamond logo and patent dates on top. Top of receiver has Thompson bullet logo and, rare “TOMMY GUN” marking, which was used on only a few guns so that Auto-Ordnance Corporation could use this phrase as a trade-mark. One should also note that the words, “FULL AUTO” are one above the other, and not in one line, another indication of Savage manufacture. Note that the upper and lowers on this Thompson are matching and that the suffix, “NAC” after the serial number on both upper and lower assemblies indicates that this is one of the Thompsons imported back into the United States from Great Britain by Numrich Arms Corporation. Electronic NFA registry indicates “NUMRICH ARMS CO” as the manufacturer/importer. PROVENANCE: 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. Extremely fine original Bridgeport manufactured 50 round drum is included with this lot as well as an original copy of the privately printed hardcover book, “TOMMY,” which tells the story of the Thompson machine gun. This book was privately printed by Frederick A. Willis and presented to Russell Maguire, President of Auto-Ordnance Corporation. The book is extremely entertaining to examine, as it combines cartoons, photographs, and text which chronicles how Russel Maguire assumed control of Auto-Ordnance Corporation and how the Thompson went from a most unsuccessful venture into a military arm fielded worldwide in numerous armies. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine to near excellent combination of original matte gray finish on upper receiver with some slight loss of finish to gray patina at the high edges, with touched up blue and discernable discoloration where original barrel was removed and replace with a correct albeit lustrous finished replacement finned barrel. The barrel index mark is slightly off. Matte Finish on lower might well also be original, with extremely fine to near excellent wood on this gun with some light handling marks. Bore is near excellent, shiny and bright as is the bolt face. Mechanics are crisp. This is a select fire machine gun. This gun presents extremely well, and it is a rare find of an early 1928A1 Thompson which was taken into military service, transported to Europe, and then returned to the United States where it could be privately owned and appreciated for the WW2 collectible that it is. THIS MACHINEGUN 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 2023-9-35
Accessories
1 drum total included
Manufacturer
Auto Ordnance
Paperwork
Provenance, History, Articles, "Tommy" book