Auto-Ordnance Korean War Commemorative Thompson 1 of 1500 .45ACP M1A1 Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1475

WOA#: WY221121MP010

Make: Auto-Ordnance

Model: Korean War Commemorative Thompson

Serial Number: KU3662

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Markings:  The left side of the receiver is marked, “ISSUED BY THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL FOUNDATION RICHMOND, VIRGINIA AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION WEST HURLEY, NEW YORK U.S.A. KW 1333 FIRE SAFE”.  There are also Patent numbers on the left side of the receiver.  The right side of the receiver is marked, “KOREAN WAR COMMEMORATIVE THOMPSON LEST WE FORGET 25 JUNE 1950-27 JULY 1953 IN DEFENSE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FREE WORLD KOREAN SERVICE”.  The left and right side of the buttstock is marked, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA KOREAN SERVICE”.  The right side of the pistol grip is marked, “IN HONOR OF THE KOREAN WAR IN LASTING MEMORY OF THOSE WHO SERVED”.  The muzzle device is marked with the Auto-Ordnance trademark.

Barrel Length: 16.5” Finned / 1:16 right hand twist

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade front sight with an open fixed battle rear graduated sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The fixed buttstock, pistol grip, and foregrip are walnut wood with smooth polished surfaces. The receiver is blued steel. The LOP is 17“ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition. There are scratches and scuffs on the buttstock and pistol grip as well as some lesser notable scuffs on the handguard.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:   1x 20rd Auto Ordnance magazine in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Gold Accents, Clear Coat, Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows some light scratches as well as a patch of corrosion on the right side of the lower and some light finish loss around the barrel near the muzzle device. There is some patina buildup on the metal parts of the sling.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  1 Box magazine, Leather Sling, Wooden glass top display.

Our Assessment: Manufactured by Auto-Ordnance for distribution by the American Historical Foundation, this is a post-WWII 1928 Thompson submachine gun in “1928A1” configuration, outfitted and decorated as a commemorative piece for the Korean War. While purchase of new military Thompson SMGs halted after World War II in favor of the more cost effective M3 “Grease Gun”, the 1928, 1928A1, M1 and M1A1 Thompsons were not fully replaced for many years, and they went into the field as a “substitute standard” when the Korean War broke out. Highly useful during the close quarters brawling that resulted from Chinese night assault tactics, Thompson-equipped GIs sometimes found themselves going head to head with Thompson-equipped Chinese and Korean troopers, who also used the weapon (acquired through Warlord Era private purchases, WWII-period U.S. military aid, and manufactured in-country) as a supplement for their primary SMGs. Made as part of a limited run, this example is a very close copy of the 1928A1, with a fine gold plated finish applied to the compensator, cocking knob, rear sight wings, trigger and sling swivels, a high polish blue on the barrel and receiver flats, matte blue curves, and fancy hardwood furniture. The receiver markings are in the commemorative style, with commemorative badges laid into the right side of the pistol grip and both sides of the buttstock. Fitted with a black leather sling.   This Thompson is #1333 out of a total of 1500 that were made.  If you’re a collector of Thompson’s this is one you don’t want to miss.  If you are a collector of fine firearms, this too is one you don’t want to miss.  If you simply want to sport a gold accented Thompson Machine Gun or want a fun new toy at the range, then make sure to get bidding!  Good Luck!

Auto-Ordnance Korean War Commemorative Thompson 1 of 1500 .45ACP M1A1 Rifle
Auto-Ordnance Korean War Commemorative Thompson 1 of 1500 .45ACP M1A1 Rifle