108663

We have the following transferable Savage manufactured M1 Thompson Submachine Gun, serial number 108663 available for sale. This weapon was likely manufactured in the summer of 1942. It was arsenal refinished through the U.S. Ordnance Rebuild Program by Rock Island Armory as documented by the “RIA” marking on the receiver, but its markings were not updated to “M1A1.” It features the later, protected style rear sight, and has an M1 bolt, which has the original design, floating firing pin that was later simplified in the M1A1 version. The buttstock is the later, reinforced style, consistent with M1A1 arsenal rebuilds, and has an “MR” marking for the Mount Rainier Arsenal, indicating that the buttstock was likely switched out at some point, or the weapon went through rebuilds at two different facilities. The receiver has been prick-punched to indicate the barrel was replaced. It has an Ordnance wheel marking stamped on the left side of the receiver, as well as a faint “FJA” inspector stamp, indicating it was inspected under the supervision of Army Inspector of Ordnance Frank J. Atwood of the Rochester Ordnance District during WWII. Such an inspector stamp is the easiest way to quickly identify a Savage M1, since they were not marked with “S” prefixes like the earlier M1928A1 models, and are extremely similar to the M1’s manufactured by Auto-Ordnance in Bridgeport, CT. It also features the Auto-Ordnance acceptance stamp of “GEG” for George E. Goll. The “GEG” stamp appears twice; once on the receiver nose, and once above the magazine well. George E. Goll was the longest serving employee of Auto-Ordnance, beginning as General Thompson’s chauffeur, and he ended up becoming the President of the Auto-Ordnance Division of Maguire Industries during WWII.

The weapon comes with a 30-round magazine. This M1 Thompson is unique in that it avoided being marked as an M1A1, but M1A1 rebuild standards appear to have been applied to it. It would be a great shooter, and M1’s usually run at a slightly higher cyclic rate than their M1928A1 counterparts, which can be useful in steel competitions at Thompson shoots. It’s a good looking weapon that will become a favorite addition to a lucky new owner’s gun safe.