Product Details
** COLT, USA
A RARE FBI CASED .45(ACP) FULLY-AUTOMATIC SUB-MACHINEGUN, MODEL 'THOMPSON M1921', serial no. 14650,
first production run, with finned 13in. barrel (additional South African registration number WR115044) and including built on 'Cutt's' compensator, tapered blade fore-sight, blued squared receiver stamped 'MODEL OF 1921', the serial number and 'THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN CALIBRE 45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE, MANUFACTURED BY COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. USA', adjustable elevating 'Lyman' ladder rear-sight, the top of receiver marked with the 'Thompson' trademark, the left hand side of trigger-group with rotating safety and selector (see notes below), detachable wood butt-stock, the left hand side stamped with the number '14650' and inlet with a brass plaque engraved 'PRESENTED BY G. ANDERSON, ESQ. MARCH 1941', iron heel-plate with trapdoor for oil-bottle and side-mounted sling-swivel, wood finger-grooved pistol-grip and finger-grooved pistol-grip fore-end with side-mounted swivel, the whole retaining much original finish (faded on the receiver) COMPLETE WITH a black leatherette covered 'FBI' transit box, the interior lined in red felt and containing the gun and a 50-round drum magazine, 4 stick magazines, a webbing magazine pouch, cleaning equipment, a canvas sling and a spare splinter fore-end, TOGETHER WITH an extensive file of research on this and other Thompson guns
Provenance: It would appear from records that this gun was originally purchased sometime before 1930, along with another serial number unknown, by a Mr G. Anderson who owned a mining company in Southern Rhodesia. Both guns were subsequently confiscated by the Rhodesian Government during World War Two on behalf of the war effort and only one was ever returned. It is believed the Rhodesian army were responsible for the 'presentation plaque', but this could have saved it as it was identifiable by owners name. Subsequently the gun went to Arizona, and then back to South Africa. The rare FBI case was a gift to the vendor by a friend in the FBI
Other Notes: This gun is currently semi-automatic only. The original selectable rocker is included.
** Please note this item is subject to 20% VAT on the hammer price.
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Estimate £2,000-3,000
S5
Unless prior arrangement has been made, two weeks after the Sealed bid sale, all Section 5 (and Section 7.1 / 7.3) items will be moved to a Section 5 carriers where storage charges will be incurred.
Goods will not be released until all outstanding charges have been met. Collection will be by arrangement.