22 replies to this topic

[TDF]

I have owned a 1928A1 Savage Thompson for 30 years. The gun is stamped "TOMMY GUN" just in front of the Lyman rear sight and has British proofs, fined barrel, Cuts comp., vertical forgrip, the finish is very very good, and frame and receiver serial numbers match, bore is sharp and bright. Any idea what I should ask for it. Oh, it's legal.

[The1930sRust]

Why are you going to sell it? If I went out to buy such a gem, I am sure I'd be expected to pay 11k~15k...

[hawksnest]

TDF: I also have a Savage US1928A1 with British Proofs, finned barrel, cutts compensator and with "Tommy Gun" roll stamped on the top right side of the receiver in front of the Lyman ladder sight. My serial numbers match and are S-165xxx. The "U.S." and the "A-1" are hand stamped.
What is your serial range and are the "U.S." and "A-1" hand stamped? Is your acutuator plain or knurled? Are you selector and safety the paddle type and if so, smooth or knurled?

[John Jr]

Mine is the same as you all are describing. Mine is S-245163. I saw another one like this TOMMY GUN stamped (no brit proofs) that was like 500 numbers more than mine.

Jr

(mine is not for sale so don't ask, but I wouldn't take less than17K for it.)

[Waffen Und Bier]

Those are very desirable pieces. If I only had one Thompson, it would be one of those. Like the Rust Man said, 11 to 15 K depending on condition (and how much you like the buyer). 17 K is a bit of a stretch, but if one can ask $25 K for a Colt..........

Good luck with it and hope you are not being forced to sell because of unfortunate circumstances.

[SecondAmend]

Condition and accessories. Throw in a couple of excellent condition L drums and the price of the package goes up accordingly.

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

John Jr,
$17K for for a 1928 A1? Apparently your usual outrage and indignant response to over priced Thompsons does not extend to mass produced WWII models. It is the same old story. There are two kinds of guys; those who ride Harley's, and those who wish they rode Harley's. Could this same Confucianism also apply to Colt TSMG's?

[Walter63a]

I think that both types, the WWII production and the Colts are very desirable and collectable. Yes, the Colt's are of slightly older vintage and are a swankier ride, but both are still Thompson SMG's. It is more accurate to be comparing between different models of the same type (make) of motorcycle or automobile. I know Buicks. So, for example, I would say that, while a Buick Park Avenue is generally a better (and more expensive) ride than a LeSabre or a Century, they are all still Buicks (and all nice rides at that). Regards, Walter

[21 smoker]

TDF, IF SELLERS ARE ASKING 9K-10K FOR WEST HURLEYS, I WOULD THINK 11K-15 IS IN LINE WITH THE REST OF THE MARKET.DON`T SELL SHORT,I WOULDN`T SELL MY 21 OR MY W.H. WITHOUT TAKING A SERIOUS LOOK AT WHAT THE MARKET WILL BARE.TO THE REST OF YOU SHOOTERS...KEEPEM` SMOKIN` OUT.

[John Jr]

Aurthur, just what kind of Thompsons do you own? When did you buy them and how much did you pay?

Put your money where your mouth is or STFU.

Jr

[Waffen Und Bier]

Please, please, this is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let's not bicker and argue over 'oo killed 'oo.

C'mon guys. No need to be nasty We are here for our common interest in and admiration of the Thompson gun. We are all going to have our own opinions about what is best, what is most desirable, what is valued at what, etc.. There's nothing to be gained by being ugly.

With Harleys, there is that attitude. Those who ride Harleys and those who wish they rode them. Personally, I feel just about everyone and their brother has one and there's nothing special about a Harley anymore (except a 1942 WLA or their WWII opposed cylinder BMW copy, which I hold in the highest regard and lust after ).

I don't understand the animosity towards Colt Thompsons from some. Their values/asking prices are crazy right now, but so are the values on any transferable machine gun. $2500 for a MAC 10? M16's $10K plus? Stoner 63A $50,000 plus? Who woulda thunk it?

I don't care much for Colt as a company over the last 25 or so years, but at one time they made some of the nicest guns available and are a big part of our nation's firearms heritage. Mine is a former San Francisco PD gun (on the side of law and order ). Although I'm tempted on occasion to put it on the market, I keep going back to - I own one of the estimated 3500 original, transferable guns left in the registry; it's an instantly recognizable and rare status symbol, it's an 82 year old museum piece and still runs; it's a huge piece of firearms history; and it's my 1921 "Harley Davidson of submachine guns" with its original paint, tires, and motor. A 2003 anything ain't got nuthin' on it.

Truce guys?

[John Jr]

You are right, this IS a happy occasion.

We are all one big happy family. We all own Thompsons, some were made in the 20's, some were made in the 40's, some were made in the 80's. This creates factions. Colts, Savage/AO, West Hurley. Still one big happy family. There are even PDSs (post-dealer samples) out there made on Richardson Display receivers.

Opinions are like assholes and everybody has one. We have all read the history (Thanks Frank, Mr. Hill, Gordon, Cox, etc...) Everyone has their own ideals on what THEY like.

Some like the early gangster period and the guns that were in that era. Some like the WW2 part, some just love the guns. Hell, all of us love the guns.

What I can't stand is some asshole (Arthur should, does and will come to mine) trying to defame any gun that is not a "COLT." People that try to overinflate the current market value of the COLTs because they are "originals", just irritate me.

EVERY SINGLE REGISTERED THOMPSON is a THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN.

Harleys are NOT in the same class as Thompsons. I am not out to insult Harley owners, but you can't compare a loud motorcycle to a Thompson. Anybody can own one (Hell's Angels) and they still make em.

Still waiting for AF to come clean. Come on Arthur...can you answer the question or shall you remain behind a false name?

John Jr.

[mp40]

Hey John Jr, The non-registered Thompsons are Thompsons too!! Ahhh,Um well, you know...Yes, i do find it hard to compare anything to the Thompson...they are unique in their own way. I do hate this constant infatuation with prices though! nothing sucks more than the constant what's mine worth? that ultimately makes the ownership of these machines no more than simple investments...Shoot them and loose money?Hmmm...

[TDF]

Hey Guys,
I didn't mean to open a can of worms, after reading some of your Thompson questions and answers and being out of touch with the market for so long, I just had to find out what this old "T" gun might be worth.
I appreciate all of your input, and so soon too. The Thompson is the last select fire gun I own and around this neck of the woods it's getting harder to find a dump, or even a wooded area to cut loose in without the risk of stitching up sombody's house. DON'T WE ALL LOVE PROGRESS?
Since my wife and I are looking to move within the next couple of years, yes I am considering selling the TOMMY. If we wind up in North Carolina, I couldn't take it with me anyway. If any of you would like photos of the gun, let me know and I will be happy to e-mail them to your direct address.
Many thanks again.
TDF

[wolfer113]

hey on the british proof marked stuff...i have most of an m1a1 parts kit on ebay right now..ends late tonight...its a lend lease gun..or was...it has the british proof marks etc...Ebay item number is 2207798178 if anyones intersted .Thx

[Poprivit]

Easy guys, he's just trying to sell an old "worthless" beat up gun. No big deal, is it.

Of course I want it. Sold my M1 a while back and miss it badly. I'm fairly sure this price thing will settle out and stabilize soon -
30% per year appreciation until no one buys 'em any more. They DID cost $200 a long time ago - $20k isn't a long reach.
Look at prices of Harleys and Cessnas. $185,000 for a new Cessna 172. $21,400 for a Harley V-Rod??
My first Cessna 172 cost $21,000 back in the early 80s. Now I can't afford the model, to say nothing of the real airplane.

But, I hope I can afford another Tommy.

[full auto 45]

TDF; if you wind up in the great state of North Carolina, you can take it with you, South Carolina is a no no. Unless something changed in the past week or two.

[Tiger Bay]

You can take your Tommy with you to NC depending on which county you will be moving into. The ATF will not approve an interstate transport to NC without the state required sheriff's permit. Some sheriffs absolutely will not give you one, while some will without hesitation. So there is some hope!

Mike

[TSMG28]

Tiger Bay,

What if TDF (or anyone else) had a C&R FFL? The transport documents are then not required. Does that change the game?

[full auto 45]

You still have to inform them that you are moving. And NC is a great state to move to. I have thought about it several times. Lots of hills and hollers to shoot into.