SDS3073

Offered for sale is an Auto-Ordnance Model of 1921 (AC) Thompson Submachine Gun, serial number 3073, which was manufactured by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company for Auto-Ordnance Corporation between 7/29/1921 and 8/27/1921. This is one of the original 15,000 Colt Thompsons, which range in serial number from 41 to 15040. Colt Thompsons were originally manufactured in 1921A configuration, without a compensator, and were marked “Model of 1921.” This one is marked in that manner, and had the option of a Cutts Compensator added, which makes it a “1921AC.”

This particular Thompson was previously owned by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, in San Diego, California, and is listed in the late Gordon Herigstad’s book, “Colt Thompson Serial Numbers,” where he noted it as a “21AC.” It is also noted to have passed through the collection of the late and famous machine gun collector and dealer, J. Curtis Earl of Arizona.

This Colt Thompson is very nice looking overall, but the metal has been refinished, the stock varnished, and the weapon has some unique characteristics. The serial number has been manually remarked on the receiver, and the lower frame has had the serial number removed. The buttstock has the correct anchor marking on its nose, indicating it was manufactured by Remington for Colt. The rear grip, and the vertical foregrip are not original, with the vertical foregrip appearing to be WWII vintage, with a non-original grip screw. The pistol grip is of WWII manufacture, marked with an “M,” representing manufacture by Strombeck-Becker, which was a wooden toy company who made Thompson wood parts during WWII. This Colt Thompson features patent dates, as well as a “JHB” inspector marking on the right side of the receiver to indicate inspection for Auto-Ordnance by Chief Inspector John H. Barrett.

The weapon has an original 1921 actuator, and comes with a non-original spare, and it has original Colt internals. Its serial number is registered as “SDS3073,” the prefix of which likely references its original connection to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

This would make a great “shooter” Colt Thompson that has a great overall look to it, while also having law enforcement provenance. It’s a good opportunity to own a Colt Thompson that served “On The Side of Law and Order.”

Includes an Asian drum and 1-30 round stick magazine& 1-20 round stick magazine