May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
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, with lower numbered 296862. 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. One 20-round lustrous blue "AUTO ORDNANCE" magazine is included with this lot. Electronic NFA registry indicates “AUTO ORDNANCE” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine to near excellent matte gray government arsenal refinish with the slightest of wear to gray patina at a couple the high edges discernable upon close inspection. Most, if not nearly all, World War II issued M1 Thompsons underwent arsenal refurbishment after WWII, and most were converted to the M1A1 configuration by replacing the bolts. Wood is extremely fine with some light handling marks. 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 the Thompsons, and the M1 Thompson is one of the most sought after 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because relatively small numbers were produced with the hammer-fired firing pin before the fixed firing pin Model M1A1 superseded it, and many were converted to the M1A1 bolt system. This gun presents exceptionally well as a collector’s item in addition to being a gun one can take to the range and enjoy. 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 AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2024-05-066.
Manufacturer
Auto Ordnance