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WTS/WTT: Wartime US MODEL OF 1928A1 Thompson


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Up for sale/trade is an original 1928A1 Thompson marked US MODEL OF 1928A1. Features British markings (nitro proof marks, etc.). Also features the TOMMY GUN marking on top of receiver, typical Cutts compensator, finned barrel and Lyman sight.



Serial numbers of upper receiver and lower match. Appears all original to me. In addition to the attached photos, I have included a Dropbox link with higher resolution versions of the photos for you to see. Also an imgur link with the photos.



I have owned this since 2008 and it’s always been safe kept. I enjoy shooting it but would like to move it along and get a wartime M1A1 or M1 (not a West Hurley gun).



The price is $35,000 (including shipping) to buy it outright. I also would be interested in a trade for an original wartime M1A1 or M1. I would need additional cash from you if you would like to trade.



I am in Florida. I am an individual, not a dealer.



Please let me know if I can answer any questions. I am happy to talk on the phone also.



Here is the dropbox link (photos should be higher resolution here):


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u9oj31ywiupsgas/AABU7selhQmwv0dJkWB5quD1a?dl=0



Here is the imgur link:


https://imgur.com/a/GZLexar#ArgShmc



Thanks for your time!



—bigu2fan


willgreenlee@yahoo.com


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Edited by bigu2fan
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Hi All,

 

I'm not an expert on Thompsons but am curious. Should this vintage '28 have match marks on the RHS of the barrel shoulder that match the strike on the RHS of the receiver? I realize this gun has literally gone through the war so things happen.

 

Thanks,

 

Grasshopper

Edited by Grasshopper
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Grasshopper,

 

Here's a picture out of Tom's book (p. 115), Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story, and Frank's book (p. 72), American Thunder 3rd Edition, which may be of help. Both outstanding books BTW.

 

Robert

IMG_20200512_105051129.jpg

IMG_20200512_104812774.jpg

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That is a beautiful gun with a LOT of nice features. Note the Savage knurled safety and selector levers, flat ejector, Type II comp, and early Savage buffer pilot. All nice early features in line with the serial number. All of the proper British proofs are there: right side of the nose, top of the actuator, and barrel. Finish looks original.

 

It appears from the high res pic that the witness line on the barrel does not line up with witness mark on the receiver, but it is hard to tell for sure due to the angle of the pic and the foregrip in the way. The Stevens square S is stamped on the barrel just above what appears to be the witness line. If the foregrip is removed and a pic taken directly from the side, we might see that the witness line does line up. Either way, this barrel was obviously with the gun when it left British service given its proof mark.

 

The buttstock is a replacement at some point in time. The crossbolt stocks were not in use when this gun was built. Since the Brits originally came up with the stock reinforcement screws due to stock breakage, it is possible that the original buttstock for this gun was damaged at some point and simply replaced with the later design. For whatever reason, the swivels have not been modified to the British standard placement.

 

This would be a nice gun for anyone in the market for a nice 28 with British provenance.

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Either way, this barrel was obviously with the gun when it left British service given its proof mark.

 

Would the barrel have had to be removed for the process of testing and stamping of the commercial London proof marks or would that process have been done with the barrel on the gun?

 

In any event, whether or not the barrel has been removed is not much of an issue for a WWII era Thompson IMO--if it were a collectible Colt maybe a different story.

Edited by Robert Henley
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Cool gun, but way over current market price. Its a bad time to be selling Thompson's of any style. That asking price is about what you can buy a Colt for these days. M1 styles are selling in the teens. This gun is overpriced by about $5-6K.

Edited by bigbore
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Nice gun!

 

Bigbore... Please show us your data that shows actual selling prices and conditions. I know there have been some real dogs out there with lower prices, but nice 28s - and as you mentioned Colt's - are not selling in the open market for your numbers. I think you posted what you wanted to pay, not the market.

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Nice gun!

 

Bigbore... Please show us your data that shows actual selling prices and conditions. I know there have been some real dogs out there with lower prices, but nice 28s - and as you mentioned Colt's - are not selling in the open market for your numbers. I think you posted what you wanted to pay, not the market.

 

OOW in the last month sold a refinished Colt for $30K.

 

There is a refinished Colt that has been on Sturm since March for $32K and no buyers yet.

 

All Thompson prices are way down.

 

Scan the forums, watch the dealers and track the selling prices.

 

The last M1A1 discussed in this forum sold for $18,750.

 

The 1928 in this thread, on a Form 4 has a realistic selling price of about $24K tops.

 

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17065-wts-colt-thompson-1921ac-1921-sn-5697/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17213-wts-auto-ord-bridgeport-m1a1-price-lowered-again-18750/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/16497-wts-1928a1-nac-thompson-price-lowered-20k-sold/

 

https://www.oowinc.com/exclusives/full-auto/original-colt-1921/

 

 

My AC that I cant get rid of(but get $20K offers every few weeks)

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/12763-1928ac-bridgeport-thompson-22k-delivered/

 

Edited by bigbore
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Robert,

 

I agree about the desirability if this gun. You dont see these features very often. This is NOT just another 1928. The amount of premium is up to the buyer and seller.

 

The barrel is not removed for the British proofing.

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That is a beautiful gun with a LOT of nice features. Note the Savage knurled safety and selector levers, flat ejector, Type II comp, and early Savage buffer pilot. All nice early features in line with the serial number. All of the proper British proofs are there: right side of the nose, top of the actuator, and barrel. Finish looks original.

 

It appears from the high res pic that the witness line on the barrel does not line up with witness mark on the receiver, but it is hard to tell for sure due to the angle of the pic and the foregrip in the way. The Stevens square S is stamped on the barrel just above what appears to be the witness line. If the foregrip is removed and a pic taken directly from the side, we might see that the witness line does line up. Either way, this barrel was obviously with the gun when it left British service given its proof mark.

 

The buttstock is a replacement at some point in time. The crossbolt stocks were not in use when this gun was built. Since the Brits originally came up with the stock reinforcement screws due to stock breakage, it is possible that the original buttstock for this gun was damaged at some point and simply replaced with the later design. For whatever reason, the swivels have not been modified to the British standard placement.

 

This would be a nice gun for anyone in the market for a nice 28 with British provenance.

Roger,

 

It is hard to tell from the posted photo (low resolution), but the compensator appears to have some markings on the left side, indicating it is a standard 4th Model compensator. Not sure about whether a gun in that serial number range would have an early or later compensator?

 

1928 Thompson.jpg

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My mistake. I didnt look closely enough at the markings on the top of the comp. the presence of the AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION stamp makes this a Type IV comp.

 

Nice catch, Chuck.

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If you don't like the price, don't buy the gun.

 

Bob

 

Thanks for the insight, that was helpful! This is a discussion forum, not a Sale forum. I would never post that comment to his for sale ad on Sturm. This is a discussion forum, I'm contributing my thoughts on the gun just like several others are. Is there something I said that you don't agree with? If so, tell me why I'm wrong. Being honest with the seller and potential buyers should be what we are all here for.

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Nice gun!

 

Bigbore... Please show us your data that shows actual selling prices and conditions. I know there have been some real dogs out there with lower prices, but nice 28s - and as you mentioned Colt's - are not selling in the open market for your numbers. I think you posted what you wanted to pay, not the market.

OOW in the last month sold a refinished Colt for $30K.

 

There is a refinished Colt that has been on Sturm since March for $32K and no buyers yet.

 

All Thompson prices are way down.

 

Scan the forums, watch the dealers and track the selling prices.

 

The last M1A1 discussed in this forum sold for $18,750.

 

The 1928 in this thread, on a Form 4 has a realistic selling price of about $24K tops.

 

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17065-wts-colt-thompson-1921ac-1921-sn-5697/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17213-wts-auto-ord-bridgeport-m1a1-price-lowered-again-18750/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/16497-wts-1928a1-nac-thompson-price-lowered-20k-sold/

 

https://www.oowinc.com/exclusives/full-auto/original-colt-1921/

 

 

My AC that I cant get rid of(but get $20K offers every few weeks)

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/12763-1928ac-bridgeport-thompson-22k-delivered/

I purchased the M1A1 mentioned. I think the gun was underpriced. In fact, I was looking for a 1928 like the one posted in this thread, but the M1A1 was just too tempting to pass up.

 

Unfortunately for the seller, there were a number of members who had recently purchased or already owned similar guns, or I believe it would have likely sold earlier and for more money. In fact, someone just posted a WTB ad for a Bridgeport like mine.

 

I realize I'm a relative newbie, but the OP's 1928 looks like an exceptional model, not one I would expect to sell for $24K.

Edited by Hopalong
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Nice gun!

 

Bigbore... Please show us your data that shows actual selling prices and conditions. I know there have been some real dogs out there with lower prices, but nice 28s - and as you mentioned Colt's - are not selling in the open market for your numbers. I think you posted what you wanted to pay, not the market.

OOW in the last month sold a refinished Colt for $30K.

 

There is a refinished Colt that has been on Sturm since March for $32K and no buyers yet.

 

All Thompson prices are way down.

 

Scan the forums, watch the dealers and track the selling prices.

 

The last M1A1 discussed in this forum sold for $18,750.

 

The 1928 in this thread, on a Form 4 has a realistic selling price of about $24K tops.

 

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17065-wts-colt-thompson-1921ac-1921-sn-5697/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17213-wts-auto-ord-bridgeport-m1a1-price-lowered-again-18750/

 

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/16497-wts-1928a1-nac-thompson-price-lowered-20k-sold/

 

https://www.oowinc.com/exclusives/full-auto/original-colt-1921/

 

 

My AC that I cant get rid of(but get $20K offers every few weeks)

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/12763-1928ac-bridgeport-thompson-22k-delivered/

I purchased the M1A1 mentioned. I think the gun was underpriced. In fact, I was looking for a 1928 like the one posted in this thread, but the M1A1 was just too tempting to pass up.

 

Unfortunately for the seller, there were a number of members who had recently purchased or already owned similar guns, or I believe it would have likely sold earlier and for more money. In fact, someone just posted a WTB ad for a Bridgeport like mine.

 

I realize I'm a relative newbie, but the OP's 1928 looks like an exceptional model, not one I would expect to sell for $24K.

 

These are strange times, you gotta be careful and do your due diligence buying and selling. I'm happy you got your gun, but you got it at market. If it was under valued the seller wouldn't have had to reduce the price twice from his original listing. I've been following C&R MGs really close fro the last 2 years, and they are all down.

 

OOW just posted this Thompson - $1000 less, on a form 3. No it's doesn't have Brit import stamps all over it, but it's darn nice. I also expect it to sit for a while at that price too.

https://www.oowinc.com/exclusives/full-auto/original-wwii-1928a1-thompson-submachine-gun/#iLightbox[product-gallery]/15

 

The OPs gun is cool, and anyone should be proud to have it in their collection.

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I won't post my comments on prices anymore.... Or will be sent to the Thompson gulag.just that the May 2020 copy of firearms news is pretty cool.I am sure you guys picked up a copy already{might be old news by now} And that 1928 Military is a nice one for somebody to fill a empty slot in the WW2 era think "Battleground"one two three four!!! I am sure in the next few years many quality Thompson's will be going up for sale.

 

"We are the last of that Generation"None will follow.

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Bigbore, thanks for your references. I think condition and desirability will make up the difference in prices.

 

Looking at the market today, I can go to GunBroker and still see some high dollar '21s. But not selling. If the market were depressed (and I'm not saying is isn't) why are you selling now? I have a nice 1921AC that I probably should sell, but I'm just waiting until people see their paychecks coming in again.

 

As mentioned... if you don't like the price, don't buy the gun!

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In my admittedly limited experience, every time someone has told me a gun is overpriced, and it should sell for ...this much...

 

-they never seem to have one like it that they are willing to sell for ...that much.

Edited by mnshooter
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Bigbore, thanks for your references. I think condition and desirability will make up the difference in prices.

 

Looking at the market today, I can go to GunBroker and still see some high dollar '21s. But not selling. If the market were depressed (and I'm not saying is isn't) why are you selling now? I have a nice 1921AC that I probably should sell, but I'm just waiting until people see their paychecks coming in again.

 

As mentioned... if you don't like the price, don't buy the gun!

 

I hear you, you're not wrong ! Ive had my AC for sale for more than a year, Ruben has had its twin for 2 yrs and wants $4k more last time I checked. I'm a dealer and I bought it from a member here to resell. I should have done more home work. I'm sorry if I'm sending the wrong vibe here, but I really think people should be generous with their knowledge based opinions.

 

The first MG I bought, over 15yrs ago was listed in this(I think it was this forum) and everyone said what a great gun it was. I bought it. A bit later I posted a thread detailing it and Bob Naess tore my gun apart 20 different ways telling me everything was wrong/mis represented and I obviously paid too much. I'm eternally grateful to Bob for doing that and counted the purchase as a wisdom tax.

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I don't post much, but read everything on this forum. Several folks here helped me immensely when I was looking for my first Thompson - and I am very grateful for that!

 

I am always amused by threads like this one where anybody and their brother can praise a gun and talk about what a great deal it is; but no one is allowed to comment if they think it is overpriced. When they do, it's like PC police come out of the woodwork to condemn them for sharing their opinion.

 

The fact is that the NFA market does not make sense due to very limited supply, and a demand driven by want, not need.

 

In my opinion as someone who has followed all the selling forums and spoken with many private individuals over the past two years, bigbore is absolutely correct in his assessment of the current market value of this gun. However; if some HNW collector wants a British gun, they might be willing to pay the asking price.

 

There is no way to know what it is worth until it sells, and that data point may only be valid for this one example. Price it high and see what happens. You can always come down; it's much harder to go up.

 

Bigbore, had I not wanted a WWII/Colt gun I would have grabbed yours. Trust me, I have spent a lot of time admiring it.

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