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21 Thompson for auction, can anyone see anything bad here


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I am still in my infancy when it comes to Thompsons, and this one is coming up for auction.

 

I would be particularly interested in it as I have a family connection to the Omaha PD.

 

Any pointers, criticisms, valuation estimates, anything would be of help and appreciated.

 

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/71/3556/colt-1921-thompson-class-iiinfa-submachine-gun#detail

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Neat that it is still in 1921 configuration and a plus in value. I would ask for as many photos as possible, such as the front of the butt stock to see if it has an anchor. Handle it in person if possible. Not many photos are posted for such a pricey item.

 

Before bidding I would specifically ask for board member input on authenticity of the pistol grip and fore grip.

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Way more photos are a must. You need to find out about the internals originality.

 

I would like to see the AUT ORD CO logo on the receiver, I did not think that logo would be on a gun with that high a serial number, 9661?

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Kinda funny putting the very large branding of the PD ID on the stock when the stock pops of in a second and a half!! Gothic ID is very classy.

Nothing especially attractive about the gun in my view as condition is not especially great but the PD ID will appeal to someone as a perk. I'd prefer an unmarked gun unless there is interesting provenance…….FWIW

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I'd drop $1,500-2000 for those horrible PD markings

 

If done nicely I think it adds value. That gun is not done nicely. But to each his own.

Apparently the Old English Script and wood burning was popular with the Omaha P.D. as the other 10 Colt TSMGs in their armory were give the sane treatment. Must have been a rash of thefts of Colt TSMGs from police armories where the thieves bluffed the authorities the TSMGs were their own property. Blatant P.D. markings put an end to that scam!

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Thanks, RIA is hit and miss with producing extra photos (sometimes they have done as requested, other times they have not). For me, as we have connections to the OPD the markings are a plus for my family, overall resale, probably not so much. I am planning on traveling out there to inspect before the auction.

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I'd drop $1,500-2000 for those horrible PD markings

 

If done nicely I think it adds value. That gun is not done nicely. But to each his own.

Apparently the Old English Script and wood burning was popular with the Omaha P.D. as the other 10 Colt TSMGs in their armory were give the sane treatment. Must have been a rash of thefts of Colt TSMGs from police armories where the thieves bluffed the authorities the TSMGs were their own property. Blatant P.D. markings put an end to that scam!

Arthur,

 

Good one! I was thinking the same thing, no missing the fact that the gun belonged to the Omaha Police Department. The gun has the usual police department wear, maybe a little more than usual, but for someone interested in the Omaha Police Department, it would be a nice gun. Outwardly, it appears all original, but an in-person inspection would be warranted. Geefal, don't worry about the grips, as one poster cautioned, they are original.

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Agree with David, like the Omaha PD markings, adds interest and history. I'd have no problem at all having that Tommy in my safe.

 

OCM

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Remembering the difficulty some departments had recovering their Thompsons that were stolen by Johnny D and recovered by other departments and the FBI, I would think that all department would carve their name on the gun.

Personally , I think the department name adds to the history of the gun.

Jim C

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A lot of Police Departments and Sheriff's departments bought Thompsons around the 34-35 years, when all the Dillinger type outlaws were lurking around. This one is from the Anderson, Indiana Police Department, right in the middle of Dillinger country. A lot of the Pendleton Reformatory ( where Dillinger was kept from 1924 to 1929) personal live or lived in Anderson. They were well armed, not a place Mr. Dillinger wanted to rob. This one was acquired in 1935.

The Thompson has #10 painted on the butt stock and Anderson Police Department semi hidden under the frame.

I've posted this before. Felt is blue, camera picked up a different color.

 

OCM

010 (2).JPG

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