16 replies to this topic

[USMC-2-USN]

[ThompsonCrazy]

VERY NICE!!
Even has the non-cross bolt stock

[USMC-2-USN]

what is the deal with the cross-drilled stock? Are they supposed to have them?

[TSMG28]

USMC-2-USN,

Great looking weapon. It is definitely a keeper. It even has the paddle-style safety and selector (certainly appropriate given its probable date of manufacture, but not as commonly seen on M1A1's). The trigger frame appears to be of AO manufacture because the FULL AUTO is on one line. I agree with ThompsonCrazy that the no-crossbolt stock is also a nice feature. The sling is correct for this vintage/model weapon. I see nothing to question the credibility of the gentleman you bought this from.

The crossbolts were added beginning in 1943 because of breakage at the attachment point to the frame. Many Thompsons (1928's, M1's and M1A1's) were retrofitted with the crossbolt stock to avoid problems. It appears yours didn't get that treatment.

Keep it. Use it. Baby it a little. Get a copy of Frank's book to learn more about these special pieces of history.

Roger

[hawksnest]

NICE

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

That is a good looking M1A1, whether it ever landed on Tarawa, (the Marines dubbed it "The Killing Ground" due to the 72 hours it took to whittle down the Japanese force of 4,500 to only 17 captured alive.), or not.

[Bisley45]

Very nice M1A1. you didn't post a pic of the US property stamping. is there an AOC or S under the front of the recever nose ( inbetween the mag well and forarm)

You don't often see the M1A1 with paddle saftey and rocker piviots and a no cross bolt stock. Most of the weapons were rebuilt. it was also intresting to note the bolt was blued not bright. It looks to be a very clean weapon.

BB

[Walter63a]

USMC-2-USN, that appears to be one fine weapon, even without a history. Could you tell us more about the known history of the gun? Thanks for sharing the photos! Regards, Walter

[SgtMartin]

VERY NICE

[billie32]

Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!!!!

[USMC-2-USN]

There is an "S" underneath just forward of the mag well.

Gun does not have the "upgrades" as it was acquired by the gentleman i bought it from approx June 1943. He said it was brand new when he got it, and never turned it in as he killed so many Japs on Tarawa with it he decided to bring it back with him (with CO's permission ofcourse)!

There is no U.S. Properety mark because it was issued to a US troop, and the property mark was reserved for Lend-Lease guns.

Vet says he has not changed anything since it was issued to him, and has shot it approximately 1000rds (not including wartime)...so as far as i know that is how it came from AOC

[TommyGunner]

Drooling!

[M1tommygun]

WOW!! Nice tommygun. I don't suppose you would let us in on how much you are giving for this beautiful peice. This is something I wish I could stumble upon.

Scott

[USMC-2-USN]

I gave $7500 for it. I know it is a little high, but i wanted an original with history...plus i wanted to help the veteran out. Came with the original oiler that made it all worth while

Too bad i am having to sell one of my MP5 host guns and one of my M-2 carbines to pay for it

[Waffen Und Bier]

$7500 is a great price! About 3/4 of the regular market value. Very nice piece. Looks like mine except mine's parked with an AA stamped on the stock. My gun came from a PD. It's US Property marked and the stock does not have a cross bolt. None of the Thompson stocks I've ever owned have had a cross bolt. I have a 1944 Remington Rand mfg. 1911A1 that is US Property marked, but it came from a vet. I have a 1942 dated Garand with Brit proof marks that probably came back into the US in the late 50's or early 60's with no US Property markings. So guns initially intended for Lend Lease is what US Property markings is for? I never new that. I are confused.

Don't feel bad about selling an MP5 (unless you got much less than market value for it). Same with the M@ (unless it was a C&R gun). The MP5 is an okay gun, but it's still a conversion and doesn't have the historical significance nor the balls that the Thompson has. I've gotten rid of three MP5's to obtain three beautiful original guns and don't regret it (an M16A1, a Colt 1921AC and an MP44).

[PK.]

$7500 is a very good price for this beautiful gun; you got a deal!

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

That is a indeed a bargain for the best conditioned M1 I have seen. Some owners are attemtping to get $15K for M1's that look like they have hit every rebuild depot in the U.S.