Auto-Ordnance 1927-A1 .45ACP Semi-Auto T1 Thompson Tommy Gun & Drum
SOLD FOR: $1575
WOA#: WY220924BS001
Make: Auto-Ordnance
Model: 1927-A1 Thompson “Tommy Gun”
Serial Number: KT1067
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a bullet-shaped trademark stamp. The right side of the receiver is marked with the US Patents and “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with “MODEL OF 1927 A1 NO. KT1067” “THOMPSON SEMI-AUTOMATIC CARBINE CALIBER .45 AUTOMATIC CARTRIDGE” “FIRE/SAFE”. The rear sight is marked with numbers”1-6”. The 50 round drum is marked on the back with “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORP. NEW YORK REGISTERED IN THE UK.S. PATENT OFFICE”. The front of the drum mag is marked “MAGAZINE TYPE “L” THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN 50 CARTRIDGES CAL. 45 FOR 1928 MODEL WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” and the bullet-shaped trademark with “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” below.
Barrel Length: 16”. 18” including the compensator
Sights / Optics: Blade front and open rear adjustable
Stock Configuration & Condition: The fixed buttstock, pistol grip, and forestock are walnut wood with smooth surfaces. The receivers are steel. The LOP is 17” from front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in Excellent overall condition. There are no signs of scratches or operational wear. The pistol grip has a CA Finned grip wrapped around it.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The Bore rates in Excellent condition.
Overall Condition: The Rifle retains about 99.9% of its original finish. There is still factory grease on the sides of the receiver. There are no signs or previous use or even much of taking out of the case. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle rates in about Excellent+ overall condition.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a 10rd Box magazine and a 10rd Drum magazine.
Our Assessment: The Thompson submachine gun (also known as the “Tommy Gun”, “Chicago Typewriter”, “Chicago Piano”, or “Trench Broom”) is a blowback-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed selective-fire submachine gun, invented by the United States Army Brigadier general John T. Thompson in 1918. It was originally designed to break the stalemate of trench warfare of World War I, but was not finished until after the war ended. The Thompson first saw use by the United States Marine Corps during the Banana Wars, as well as having some initial use by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Irish Republican Army, the Republic of China, and the FBI (following the Kansas City Massacre). The firearm became notorious during the Prohibition era, used as a signature weapon of various organized crime syndicates in the United States in the 1920s. It was a common sight in the media at the time, and was used by both law enforcement officers and criminals. The firearm was widely adopted by the U.S. military during World War II, and was used extensively by the Allied troops during the war. It was designated as the M1928A1, M1 and M1A1 during this time. More than 1.5 million military Thompson submachine guns were produced during World War II. It is the first weapon to be labeled and marketed as a “submachine gun”.
Not to be confused with an original from the 30’s, this modern rendition is the closest thing most free Americans can own and appreciate. Auto-Ordnance is the original and king of the Thompson firearms world and this pristine Tommy Gun is the Safe Queen every arsenal deserves. Good Luck!
