The Thompson submachine gun was created by retired General John T. Thompson, who founded the Auto Ordnance Corporation to develop the design. [69], A .3006 variant was intended as a rival to the M1918 BAR. These submachine guns were used to a limited extent by the Red Army. The final sub-model group of 1919s were the Model G Annihilator IIIs. Thecondition is immaculate, and all of the parts arecorrect. Prohibition era (192033) for its use by gangsters in bloody incidents such as the St. Valentines Day Massacre. In 1939, Thompsons cost the government $209 apiece. The Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut was contracted by the Auto-Ordnance Corporation to manufacture the initial mass production of 15,000 Thompson Submachine Guns in 1920. This Model of 1919 Thompson, an Annihilator III, Model G, never had a factory-stamped serial number applied. Military users of the M1928A1 units had complaints of the "L" 50-round drum magazine. Still, not only did some U.S. soldiers have use of them in Vietnam, they encountered them as well. Order one for your collection, and own a piece of American history! The Thompson M1 was used victoriously in battles throughout the world, ensuring its place for eternity as a legend among military firearms. A Model 1921A believed to have been owned by Bonnie and Clyde, but without historical documentation to substantiate this provenance, sold at auction on January 21, 2012, in Kansas City for $130,000. Original Thompson Sub Machine Guns for sale at International Military Antiques, Inc. It has capacity for 10 to 100 rounds, depending on the magazine used. The M1 bolt had a floating firing pin and hammer, the bolt of the M1A1 had the firing pin machined to the face of the bolt, eliminating unnecessary parts. This was one of the major complaints about the weapon by U.S. Army personnel to whom it was issued. The first Thompson entered production as the M1921. "The FBI and the Thompson Submachine Gun". In addition, the gun performed better than most after exposure to rain, dirt, and mud.[36]. [38] They purchased a total of 653 units, though US customs authorities in New York seized 495 of the units in June 1921. Two Model of 1919s were built and tested with the new design, serial Nos. Although Thompsons submachine gun received positive evaluations from both the Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, neither service initially opted to purchase it on a widespread basis. The .45 ACP caliber Thompson 1927A-1 has a pinned Cutts compensator, which lengthens the finned barrel length to 18", and puts the overall length for the carbine at . by R. Blake Stevens Collector Grade Publications (2004). All Rights Reserved, Incredible Thompson Submachine Gun Collection. They used the Thompson extensively in jungle patrols and ambushes, where it was prized for its firepower, though it was criticized for its hefty weight and poor reliability. This submachine gun is capable of full or semi-automatic operation. The Thompson was an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919, that became infamous during the Prohibition era. The war variant of the Thompson submachine gun is the most common Thompson you will encounter. However, due to unforeseen production delays and requests for modifications, the M3/M3A1 never replaced the Thompson, and purchases continued until February 1944. Serial No. Our M1 Thompson model is a .45 caliber semi-automatic replica of the most famous American submachine gun of World War II. This design was produced as the Annihilator I, serial No. The Thompson was an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919, that became infamous during the Prohibition era. The Australian government destroyed most of their Thompson machine carbines in the 1960s. By the spring of 1942, cost-reduction design changes had brought this down to $70. With the start of World War II, major contracts from several countries saved the manufacturer from bankruptcy. "The Colt Thompson Submachine Gun". The Thompson was soon found to have limited effect in heavy jungle cover, where the low-velocity .45 bullet would not penetrate most small-diameter trees or protective armor vests. The Model 1928 was the first type widely used by military forces, with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps as major buyers through the 1930s. In wartime, it helped carry soldiers and Marines to victory inEurope and the Pacific in World War II. The look and feel are authentic, right down to the side bolt action. Thompson Submachine Gun Message Board. Serial No. The Model 1919 was limited to about 40 units; the first built did not use the drums, as it was too difficult to fire. 26 and its accompanying magazine, and within tolerances to be mutually agreed upon which will be shown on blue prints to be supplied by the Corporation [Auto-Ordnance].. [60], During the Vietnam War, some South Vietnamese army units and defense militia were armed with Thompson submachine guns, and a few of these weapons were used by reconnaissance units, advisors, and other American troops. It was capable of firing in fully automatic with burst firing made possible only through trigger control. Certain M1s had issues with high rate of fire climbing up to ~800 RPM. [68] However, it was turned down without testing due to logistical problems. All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. 7, an Annihilator III, Model C, was not designed with a buttstock or sights. $59.95 M1 Thompson Buffer Pilot TMP098 $8.00 Thompson Foregrip Screw Horizontal TMP100 $4.50 Fifteen thousand were produced by Colt for Auto-Ordnance. ), The staff of Savage Arms looked for ways to simplify the M1928A1, and produced a prototype in February 1942, which was tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground in March 1942. They also created difficulty when clearing a cartridge malfunction ("jam"). Colts was awarded the initial production contract for 15,000 Thompsons. Brigadier general John T. Thompson was the original developer of the Thompson submachine gun, who spent most of his career in the ordnance department of the U.S. Army. When loaded, the bronze lock closed on the chambered round. War Thompsons, as Ike refers to them, are more common and worthless, but they arestill awesome guns. Thompson M1 will not accept drum magazines. M1s were made by Savage Arms and by Auto-Ordnance. Serial No. All of the magazines were produced by Johns Machine and Tool Co., Cleveland during early 1920. Public Enemy Number One, favored the Thompson submachine gun. [65][66] In 1927, the U.S. Navy ordered 500 Thompsons but requested a lower rate of fire. These guns were used during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. The total number of Models of 1919 produced of all types is believed to be about 40. Sometime before Colts production, serial No. .45, M1. Discussion of all aspects of the Thompson Submachine Gun and related firearms. During one of the later tests, however, the .45 ACP cartridge was found to function flawlessly. The layout and ergonomics of the Thompson submachine gun were also considered for the role of a Light Rifle before the adoption of the M1 Carbine. The box magazine was quickly attached and detached, and was removed downward, making clearing jams easier. The 1928 Thompson would be the last small arm adopted by the U.S. Army that used a year designation in the official nomenclature. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [29] Thompson gained financial backing from the businessman Thomas F. Ryan and proceeded to found a company, which he named the Auto-Ordnance Company, in 1916, for the purpose of developing his new "auto rifle". Two of them are in the 99-percentcategory in terms of condition, which makes them very valuable. 21AC at the original price of $200.00, with the plain M1921 designated No. He thinks it'sworth between $25,000 to $30,000. (1941). Production and shipment of the .45 ACP had to be increased. General Thompson envisioned a "one-man, hand-held machine gun" chambered in .45 ACP to be used as a "trench broom" for the ongoing trench warfare of World War I. Oscar V. Payne designed the new firearm along with its stick and drum magazines. The British Army criticized "the [magazine's] excessive weight, [and] the rattling sound they made" and shipped thousands back to the U.S. in exchange for 20-round box magazines. 2 was designed to accept a .45-cal. [41] The Thompson has been referred to by one researcher as the "gun that made the twenties roar". Although the Model 1927 was semi-automatic only, it was easily converted to fully automatic by installing a full-auto Model 1921 fire control group (internal parts). The . Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Originally, this mechanism also was to be belt-fed. Under federal regulations, these changes make the Model 1927A1 legally a rifle and remove it from the federal registry requirements of the National Firearms Act. The plain Thompson (without the attachment) was designated No. The opposing Communist fighters of the Democratic Army of Greece were also using Thompson submachine guns, either captured from government forces or inherited from ELAS. 10 and 11. Variants include the1928A1, M1 and M1A1. The cartridge case flew out the back and was deflected to the right by the pistol frame. It was decided to separate the two functions into three parts. The Navy Model 1928 has several names among collectors: the "Colt Overstamp", "1921 Overstamp", "28 Navy", or just "28N". It is interesting to note that on the receiver surface of this Model of 1919, the scribe marks used to lay out the machine cuts for manufacturing the firearm are plainly visible. Rate of fire was reduced to approximately 600700rpm. Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. The Thompson was primarily developed in Cleveland, Ohio. The British had used improvised bolts or wood screws to reinforce M1928 stocks. Following the modifications, it was later used to equip a salesman with the latest Thompson and equipment kit. During the Troubles (19691998), the Thompson was again used by the Irish Republican paramilitaries. With a design date prior to 1942 it is not considered a "weapon of war." Examination of the trigger housing indicates that the stock attachment was an afterthought, as is a No. [42][43], In 1926, the Cutts Compensator (a muzzle brake) was offered as an attachment option for the Thompson. Its operation is semi-auto, firing from a closed bolt, and featuring a 10.5" barrel. The salesman hoped to sell some to both the Poles and Ukrainians. The law also placed restrictions on the possession, transfer, and transport of the weapons. 4, 5, 6 and 7. The FBI had also acquired Thompsons in 1933 following the Kansas City Massacre. We offer full auto tommy gun for sale, sub machine gun for sale and more. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. 2. While other weapons had been developed shortly prior with similar objectives in mind, the Thompson was the first weapon to be labeled and marketed as a "submachine gun". WW2 Thompson Smg Leather Gun Scabbard TMP193 As used on the WLA Harley, WW2 Jeeps, and other vehicles to hold the M1, M1A1, and 1928 Thompson SMGs. The possession of any fully automatic firearm is prohibited in the UK by the Firearms Act 1968; prohibited firearms can be possessed on a section 5 certificate, but these are not issued for sporting purposes. [71], The Model 1923 was a heavy submachine gun introduced to potentially expand the Auto-Ordnance product line and was demonstrated for the U.S. Army. Colt 1928 Navy Thompson Submachine Gun | Transferable $ 75,000.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Colt AR15A2 Converted to Full Auto #SP326814 $ 31,995.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Heckler & Koch G3SG1 7.62x51mm Machine Gun - Pre86 Dealer Sample $ 8,995.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Heckler & Koch HK33K 5.56mm Machine Gun - Pre86 Dealer Sample Guns Listing ID: 407955The Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 45 ACP that comes standard with a 20-round stick magazine but it can accept stick or drum magazines of m .Click for more info Seller: Guns Dot Com Area Code: 866 $2,100.00 Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe Carbine Rifle T150D, 45 ACP GI#: 102235181 Johnson, Melvin M. and Haven, Charles J. Consequently, they cannot be legally imported or owned except under very limited circumstances. Corrections? Many variations have been noted within this model. The Annihilator prototypes first were fed from a 20-round box magazine, but later, the 50- and 100-round drum magazine models were developed. By late 1917, the limits of the Blish Lock were discovered (which is essentially an extreme manifestation of static friction), and, rather than the firearm working as a locked breech, the weapon was instead designed to function as a friction-delayed blowback action. It is now effectively impossible for a firearm of this type to be legally possessed by a member of the general public, except in certified deactivated condition or where specifically manufactured as a semi-automatic in caliber .22LR. Serial No. While working for Remington, Thompson was responsible for the set-up and operation of Remingtons Eddystone Arsenal, and he believed that through the initiative of a private corporation the creation of new firearms would be possible. "It's a very important thing for Thompson collectors to know when you buy a Thompson, to know if it's re-finished, or if the parts have been changed," saidIke. Thompson M1 Semi-Auto Rifle -The Thompson M1 was used victoriously in battles throughout the world, inscribing its place for all times as a legend among military firearms. The M1928A1 variant entered mass production before the attack on Pearl Harbor, as on-hand stocks ran out. Each serially numbered receiver was a slightly modified version of those proceeding it. The Army did not give the Model 1923 much consideration, so it was not adopted. Only two Model C 1919s are known to exist today: Serial No. [53] In the U.S. Army, many Pacific War jungle patrols were originally equipped with Thompsons in the early phases of the New Guinea and Guadalcanal campaigns, but soon began employing the Browning Automatic Rifle in its place as a point defense weapon. By the time of the Korean War in 1950, the Thompson had seen much use by the U.S. and South Korean military, even though the Thompson had been replaced as standard-issue by the M3/M3A1. It was later replaced by the Owen Machine Carbine. Thompson came across a patent issued to the American inventor John Bell Blish in 1915, while searching for a way to allow his weapon to operate safely without the complexity of a recoil or gas-operated reloading mechanism. In addition to the .45 RemingtonThompson, the M1923 Thompsons were to be made available to prospective buyers in several calibers, including .45 ACP, 9mm Parabellum, 9mm Mauser, and .351 Winchester Self-loading.[72]. The look and feel are authentic, right down to the side bolt action. [78], A special purpose machine pistol variant of the Thompson is manufactured by RPB Industries of Atlanta.[79]. Original Thompson Sub Machine Guns for sale at International Military Antiques, Inc. The Thompson saw popularity as a point-defense weapon for countering ambushes by Nicaraguan guerrillas (in the Banana Wars) and led to the creation of four-man fire teams which had as much firepower as a nine-man rifle squad. The rate of fire for this Thompson was about 1,000 r.p.m. The Thompson saw early use by the United States Marine Corps during the Banana Wars,[25] the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Irish Republican Army, the Republic of China, and the FBI following the Kansas City Massacre. One of its provisions was that owners of fully automatic firearms were required to register them with the predecessor agency of the modern Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It had an extended receiver with a recoil buffer and was fed from 20-round magazines. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. None of the Model of 1919s were issued a serial number until they were completely assembled. It was later modified for the semi-automatic mode, buttstock attachment, and front and rear sights. [26], The Thompson was widely adopted by the U.S. armed forces during World War II, and was also used extensively by other Allied troops during the war. All NFA Rules Apply! It has been produced since 1999 by Kahr Arms of Worcester, Massachusetts. 26, was a combination of parts from several sub-model series and shows the many changes incorporated into the Thompsons design evolution right up to, and during, production. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In May 1919, Oscar Payne was given permission to build the Model F (Freak) designs of the 1919s. Thompsons(!) Instead, the weapon, popularly dubbed the Tommy gun, became infamous during the U.S. 2 and 3. The remainder found their way to the Irish Republican Army by way of Liverpool, England, and were used in the last month of the Irish War of Independence (191921). I haven't seen one for sale in 10 years.". The New York City Police Department was the largest purchaser of the M1919. Some Thompsons were built with a folding stock, similar to M1A1 Carbines used by Allied tank crews, drivers and paratroopers and submarine raiders.[75]. In Burma and India, British forces largely replaced the Thompson with the Sten gun. For example, to own one the person must be "grandfathered" and have owned one before the bill was passed against it. (In 1923, the Army had rejected the .45 RemingtonThompson, which had twice the energy of the .45 ACP). The submachine gun can only be sold to other grandfathered individuals; this keeps prices extremely low as the number of permitted licensed individuals is very small and dwindling with time. 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Model G, never had a factory-stamped serial number applied the 1928 Thompson would be the last small arm by... Was turned down without testing due to logistical problems public Enemy number one, favored Thompson... In May 1919, Oscar Payne was given permission to build the Model G Annihilator....