They were Theodore Eickhoff, a graduate of Purdue University who had worked for the U.S. [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. Stay in the know. Omissions? 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. Its operation is semi-auto, firing from a closed bolt, and featuring a 10.5" barrel. This categorization also legally allows it to have 1921 or 1928 style foregrip equipped, unlike other "pistol style" Thompson variants, without an AOW (Any Other Weapon) Tax Stamp. In addition, the Soviet Union received M1928A1s, included as standard equipment with the M3 light tanks obtained through Lend-Lease. [55] Following the war, Thompsons were issued to members of Israel's elite Unit 101, upon the formation of that unit in 1953. Bannan, James F. and Hill, Tracie L. (1989). Payne then replaced the actuator with one that was heavier, and replaced the recoil spring with one that was stiffer; the changes reduced the rate of fire from 800 to the 600rpm of the U.S. Navy Model 1928. In August 1920, when Bolshevik forces threatened to overrun Warsaw, he panicked and decided to return to the United States. The Model 1927A1 is the semi-automatic replica of the Thompson Models of 1921 and 1927. An example known as the "Calibre .30 Short Rifle" was based on the M1921/27 variants. Serial No. Serial No. They soon discovered that the weapon was prone to jamming due to sand. An extended thirty-round box magazine and a forty-round magazine, which were made by welding two 20-round magazines face to face, jungle style, were tested. The guns were also shipped to various hardware stores in the region. The Annihilator II family consisted of two finished firearms, serial Nos. This price would includean original FBIcase, a 50-round drum magazine, four stick magazines, a cleaning rod, andperhaps one of therarest and most valuableaccessories, the cleaning and spare parts kit. By the spring of 1942, cost-reduction design changes had brought this down to $70. These submachine guns were used to a limited extent by the Red Army. The Thompson submachine gun is a blowback-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed selective-fire submachine gun that was invented by the United States Army Brigadier general John T. Thompson in 1918. M1s were made by Savage Arms and by Auto-Ordnance. Though heavy by today's standards, the weight helped control the .45 caliber bursts when operated on full automatic. Colts was awarded the initial production contract for 15,000 Thompsons. Examination of the trigger housing indicates that the stock attachment was an afterthought, as is a No. In an attempt to expand interest and sales overseas, Auto-Ordnance entered into a partnership with and licensed the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA) in England to produce a European model. 15,000 Colt Thompson M1921ACs were produced startingin 1926. Original U.S. WWII Thompson M1928A1 Display Submachine Gun Serial NO.S-436980 - Original WW2 Parts, Original U.S. WWII Thompson M1928A1 Display Submachine Gun Serial No. this was possibly the first engagement were submachineguns were used on both sides. The war variant of the Thompson submachine gun is the most common Thompson you will encounter. Ike's oncebelonged to the Moline, Illinois, police department. John Taliaferro Thompson was . These models retain a similar appearance to the original models, but have various modifications in order to comply with US firearm laws. All NFA Rules Apply! The Model 1927 was the open bolt semi-automatic version of the M1921. Built to modern engineering standards, the Thompson M1 is a reliable and highly accurate representation of its legendary WWII ancestors. It was used and modified for each of these changes first before other 1919s were constructed or Colts production began. Ammunition was scarce as it was either in small lots of Lend-Lease commercial ammo or obtained from adjacent American troops. Free shipping for many products! Shooting and discussing the classic Thompson submachine gun, real ones! It is generally believed that 40 Model of 1919 prototypes were built by Auto-Ordnances Engineering Department in Cleveland. The Model 1927A3 is a semi-automatic, .22 caliber version of the Thompson produced by Auto-Ordnance in West Hurley. Despite new U.S. contracts for Lend-Lease shipments abroad to China, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as the needs of American armed forces, only two factories supplied M1928A1 Thompsons during the early years of World War II. However, due to unforeseen production delays and requests for modifications, the M3/M3A1 never replaced the Thompson, and purchases continued until February 1944. Originally a full-automatic-only gun, serial No. [52] The U.S. Marines also used the Thompson as a limited-issue weapon, especially during their later island assaults. 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. Eventually, all prohibited guns will be out of circulation. It was also depicted in Hollywood films during this era, most notably regarding the St Valentine's Day Massacre. The "Thompson Submachine Gun" inscription was machined over to replace it with "Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine", and the "Model 1921" inscription was also machined over to replace it with "Model 1927." It was originally designed to be used by both infantry and cavalry troops, but it quickly became standard now and be the talk of the town! With huge numbers of guns available in army ordnance arsenals, the Thompson remained classed as Limited Standard or Substitute Standard long after the standardization of the M3/M3A1. And yes, the bee is a bit a. The first Model of 1919 was called the Persuader, and it was built in November 1917. Sometime before Colts production, serial No. This Thompson was originally built with no sights, no buttstock and no semi-automatic selector lever. An empty box was easy to reload with loose rounds. [36], The Thompson was first used in combat in June 13 1921, when West Virginia state troopers fired on the mountainside near Lick Creek, where striking miners were firing at passing cars. The reinforced stock and protective sight wings were standard. [49] The gun was prized by those lucky enough to get one and proved itself in the close street fighting that was encountered frequently during the invasion of France. The original Model 1928s were Model 1921s with weight added to the actuator, which slowed down the cyclic rate of fire, a United States Navy requirement. They are divided into two different series of designs, with the second series divided into four families, each subsequently divided into several sub-model designs. [56], During the Greek Civil War, the Thompson submachine gun was used by both sides. The Viet Cong liked the weapon and used both captured models as well as manufacturing their own copies in small jungle workshops.[61]. "It's one of the rarest accessories for the Colt Thompson," said Ike. Robert "Bo" Ramsour II. Rear section of bolt moves under spring pressure, trigger moves, partially strips and the mag ejects. He currently has three Colt Thompsonsalong with many accessories. Many variations have been noted within this model. Variants include the 1928A1, M1 and M1A1. "Tommy Chopper." "Chicago Typewriter." "Tommy Gun.". The BSA 1926 was manufactured in 9mmP and 7.63mm Mauser and were tested by various governments, including France, in the mid-1920s. Production and shipment of the .45 ACP had to be increased. Models used in the Pacific by Australian troops had their sling swivels remounted on the left side to allow it to be fired more easily while prone. They shipped their remaining stocks to arm the forces of Lon Nol's Khmer Republic in 1975. 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). Each serially numbered receiver was a slightly modified version of those proceeding it. The Auto-Ordnance replica of the Thompson M1 and M1A1 is known as the TM1, and may be found marked "Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine, Caliber .45M1". The Hellenic Armed Forces, gendarmerie and police units were equipped with Thompson submachine guns supplied by the British and later in the war by the United States. [30] Its principal designers were Theodore H. Eickhoff, Oscar V. Payne, and George E. Goll. Thompson would incorporate the Blish lock system into his Thompson SMG, along with the . 562,511 were made. New Zealand commando forces in the South Pacific campaign initially used Thompsons but switched them for the more reliable, lighter, and more accurate Owen during the Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal campaigns. 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. Reloading an empty drum with cartridges was a difficult and involved process in which the 50 rounds would be inserted and then the magazine wound up until a minimum of 9 to 11 loud "clicks" were heard before seating the magazine into the weapon. 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. M1A1 Thompson: Sub-Machine Gun .45 ACP: United States N/A M3A1: Sub-Machine Gun .45 ACP: United States N/A Sten Mk II: Sub-Machine Gun 919mm Parabellum: United Kingdom N/A MP40: Sub-Machine Gun 919mm Parabellum: Nazi Germany N/A Type 100 Nambu: Sub-Machine Gun 822mm Nambu: Empire Of Japan N/A Beretta M38A: After Auto-Ordnance personnel were satisfied with its appearance and function, a production run of Thompsons was bid out to two different firms: Colts and Savage. Two of them are in the 99-percentcategory in terms of condition, which makes them very valuable. The engineers were directed to begin work on a new design incorporating the .45 ACP in September 1917. Thompson M1 will not accept drum magazines. This Thompson was given to a Cleveland-area law enforcement officer by an Auto-Ordnance employee, sometime prior to 1921. It fired the more powerful .45 RemingtonThompson cartridge which fired a heavier 250gr (0.57oz; 16g) bullet at muzzle velocities of about 1,450ft/s (440m/s) and energy about 1,170ftlb (1,590J), with greater range than the .45 ACP. The look and feel are authentic, right down to the side bolt action. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. 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. Buy tommy gun online from us is 100% secure and guaranteed. This design was produced as the Annihilator I, serial No. However, the Annihilator III, Model G, with serial No. The FBI had also acquired Thompsons in 1933 following the Kansas City Massacre. In 1938, the Thompson submachine gun was adopted by the U.S. military and was used during World War II. The Thompson Submachine Gun had another noteworthy advantage: it was chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. Thompson submachine gun, byname Tommy gun, submachine gun patented in 1920 by its American designer, John T. Thompson. Thompson requested Payne to develop a method of reducing the cyclic rate of fire. The rate of fire was in excess of 1,500 rounds per minute (r.p.m. The look and feel are authentic, right down to the side bolt action. M1s were issued with the 30-round box magazine and would accept the earlier 20-round box, but would not accept the drum magazine. 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. By the time of the Battle of Blair Mountain, 37 had been acquired by the West Virginia state police and 56 were in the hands of coal companies and local law enforcement. Original Thompson Sub Machine Guns for sale at International Military Antiques, Inc. The Thompson was primarily developed in Cleveland, Ohio. [68] However, it was turned down without testing due to logistical problems. It is believed that only four were completed, serial Nos. [42][43], In 1926, the Cutts Compensator (a muzzle brake) was offered as an attachment option for the Thompson. 17 visible on the frame through the attachment hardware. This is yet another example of the truly fine American workmanship routinely exercised in firearm production during the early part of the 20th century. In the late 1920s, this kit was sent with an Auto-Ordnance salesman to Warsaw, Poland. 3 was retained at the engineering department in Cleveland and used for testing a bayonet mount. [4], During the failed 1924 coup Estonian communists used Thompsons in an attempt to storm the Tallin barracks; meanwhile the MP 18 was used by the defenders. The Thompson submachine gun was created by retired General John T. Thompson, who founded the Auto Ordnance Corporation to develop the design. 17, was later modified to selective fire, and then sights and a buttstock were added to it. This was one of the major complaints about the weapon by U.S. Army personnel to whom it was issued. In 1939, Thompsons cost the government $209 apiece. In 1916, the Auto-Ordnance Corporation was established to create a new automatic rifle for the armed forces. Models with the compensator were cataloged as No. [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. The contract language stated that: The guns and magazines shall be manufactured by the Company [Colts] the same as Sample Gun No. 9 used 18 parts. Its main models were designated as the M1928A1, M1 and M1A1 during this time. The Persuader was a belt-fed version developed in 1917/18. A metal sling mount was fitted to the left side of the wooden buttstock. 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. 2 and 3, Auto-Ordnance engineers discovered that the one-piece actuator/firing pin design was weak. Serial No. Changes included a horizontal forend, in place of the distinctive vertical foregrip ("pistol grip"), and a provision for a military sling. The M1921 was quite expensive to manufacture, with the original retail price around $200, because of its high-quality wood furniture and finely machined parts. The American Thompson SMG is a gun that has been used by hero and villain alike, and countless film and television appearances have cemented its reputation a. The 1928 variant can be disassembled easily by first detaching the stock, then sliding off the lower receiver and then simply removing the internal parts, cleaning them, and then putting it back together. The U.S. Army adopted the Thompson submachine gun in 1928. The serial number,1244194, represents the total number of Thompson submachine guns, 1928, M1, and M1A1 models made by Savage. The British had used improvised bolts or wood screws to reinforce M1928 stocks. The company was the creation of retired U.S. Army Gen. John T. Thompson, one of America's leading firearm experts of the day, and he was backed by Thomas Fortune Ryan, a powerful Wall Street. [78], A special purpose machine pistol variant of the Thompson is manufactured by RPB Industries of Atlanta.[79]. 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. Serial No. After the demobilization of ELAS, an unspecified number of arms were not surrendered to the government but kept hidden, and were later used by the Democratic Army of Greece. Both the U.S. and British armies used it in World War II, as at various times have other armed forces. It was later modified for the semi-automatic mode, buttstock attachment, and front and rear sights. [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. IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. Originally conceived during World War I as a portable machine gun to break the stalemate of trench warfare, the Thompson entered production in 1921 and was primarily marketed for law enforcement purposes. There were two military types of Thompson submachine gun: Over 1.5 million military Thompson submachine guns were produced during World War II.[27]. 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). When loaded, the bronze lock closed on the chambered round. The Model 1927A1 is a semi-automatic replica version of the Thompson, originally produced by Auto-Ordnance of West Hurley, New York for the civilian collector's market from 1974 to 1999. Rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. Ammunition was manufactured in Australia or obtained from adjacent American troops. Our M1 Thompson model is a .45 caliber semi-automatic replica of the most famous American submachine gun of World War II. 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. 21AC at the original price of $200.00, with the plain M1921 designated No. Sort By. Serial No. These Model of 1919s were advertised very heavily by Auto-Ordnance, but were never developed beyond the prototype stage. Free delivery for many products! (TM1) / 8 lbs. This military model differs from the original commercial model in its 20 round magazine and its horizontal foregrip. The Thompson Submachine Gun is an iconic American firearm brought to life in 1919 and patented in 1920. It is a magazine-fed carbine type rifle that uses the same .45 caliber cartridge as the Colt M1911 pistol. The Thompson was not found to be very effective in Ireland; having only caused serious casualties in 32 percent of the action in which it was used. The FBI used Thompsons until they were declared obsolete and ordered destroyed in the early 1970s.[62]. [57], The Thompson also found service with the KNIL and the Netherlands Marine Corps during their attempt to retake their former colony of Indonesia. In February 1944, the M1A1 reached a low price of $45 each, including accessories and spare parts, although the difference in price between the M1 and M1A1 was only $0.06. They were also more complex to manufacture. In May 1919, Oscar Payne was given permission to build the Model F (Freak) designs of the 1919s. John Blish, and the pistol was used to demonstrate his patent application and, later, to demonstrate to Auto-Ordnance engineers how his theories worked. New Made Item: This is perhaps the most recognizable firearm of World War II, made famous by the Airborne Troops of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. There are disciplines in government approved sport shooting rulebooks that allow this type to be used, therefore the gun can be bought by sport shooters, too. [27], Thompson submachine guns were used by both sides during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. after construction of a federal road in Sergipe was disrupted by armed Cangaeiros in December 1937. 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