Per the information listed in Volume One of "Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers & Histories" by Gordon Herigstad, this Colt 1921 Thompson was sold by Auto-Ordnance salesman E.E. Richardson to the Police Department of Massillon, Ohio in 1929. Located about 50 miles south of Cleveland, Massillon was chiefly known as a steel town in the 20th century, being the birthplace of the open-web steel joist floor system. One of the most famous sub-machine guns in the world, the Thompson SMG rates as one of the truly signature American weapons. While advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials would allow later designs to match or exceed the Thompson's performance, none of them have managed to do the job with the same level of style and craftsmanship. The Thompson, a product of old-school hand craftsmanship, is virtually synonymous with the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, being found on both sides of the law during the "gangland" era of American history, and also serving on all Allied fronts of World War II, where it stood tall among its more cost-effective stamped steel substitutes. Blade front and folding adjustable peep rear sights, with the signature Cutts compensator and cooling fins on the barrel, the model and address markings on the left side of the receiver and the Auto-Ordnance patents and address on the right next to a "JHB" inspection mark, and the trigger group is numbered to match beneath the stock, and fitted with a set of fully functional selector and safety switches. The bolt is still fitted with an early "Blish Lock" device, as well as a felt-padded spring steel bolt oiler. Fitted with a 20-round stick magazine, a pair of grooved pistol grips, and a detachable shoulder stock. Also included is an Auto-Ordnance marked "Type L" 50-round drum magazine.

Excellent, with 97% plus of the original blue finish, showing some bright edge wear on the Cutts compensator. The excellent wood shows a few light dings and scuffs. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.