Description
Item Description
ATTENTION:
This Phenomenal Piece of History will be displayed by Bryant Ridge Co. at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show held in the Beautiful Las Vegas Venetian Expo January 21st - 24th 2025.
Be sure to visit the GunBroker booth #10351 to talk with GunBroker and Bryant Ridge Co. about how we can market and sell your firearms for Top Dollar to buyers all around the world!
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this HIGHLY DOCUMENTED full automatic, Class III, submachine gun Fully Transferable for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, Contracted by the Auto-Ordnance Corporation 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun also known as the Tommy Gun and the Chicago Typewriter!
The model 21 is much more rare than the later sister models 1921A, 1923, 1928, M1A1 Thompson.
The following is the information from the Auto-Ordnance factory letter that is included with the sale of this firearm:
This letter is in response to your request for original factory sale and shipping information. A search of our archival records disclosed the following:
Colt Thompson Gun
Serial Number 8171
PURCHASER
Jefferson County
Mount Vernon, Illinois
SHIPPED TO
W.F. Groves, Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Mount Vernon, Illinois
DATE OF SHIPMENT
April 28, 1931
TOTAL NUMBER OF GUNS IN SHIPMENT
1
We trust this information adds to the historical significance of your Thompson gun.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Richardson
President
The Colt Thompson Model 1921 serial number 8171, as detailed in Frank Iannamico's American Thunder Third Edition Military Thompson Submachine Guns (page 395), is an exquisite example of both historical significance and masterful craftsmanship. This Thompson submachine gun is a tribute to Williamson County, Illinois, an area notorious for its violent history, earning it the moniker "Bloody Williamson." The county was the site of several high-profile incidents, including the Herrin Massacre (1922), the Klan War (1924-1926), and the Birger/Shelton Gang War (1926), events that earned national attention for their brutality. Throughout the 1920s, the Illinois National Guard was frequently deployed to restore order. Originally owned by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, this Thompson was intricately engraved in 1984 by Jeff Flannery, using approximately 30 feet of 24K gold wire inlay. The engraving not only showcases Flannery's exceptional skill but also links the weapon to a turbulent era of American history.
The engraving on this Thompson are not just decorative but deeply symbolic, with 24K gold wire inlay on the borders of the gun, as well as on each barrel flute. The gun's working parts—including six key components—are gold-plated, further elevating the firearm's historical and aesthetic value. Additionally, 13 significant names and events are highlighted with gold inlay, including notorious figures and incidents associated with the violent 1920s, such as “S. Glenn Young,” “Earl & Carl Shelton,” “Sheriff Jim Pritchard,” “Baby Face Nelson,” “John Dillinger,” “Machine Gun Kelly,” and “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” These engraved names not only link the Thompson to infamous gangsters and crimes of the era but also cement its place in the broader narrative of Prohibition, organized crime, and law enforcement’s struggle to maintain control. The inclusion of "K-K-K" and "Shady Rest" references further ties this Thompson to the dark, complex history of 1920s America. The rifle was part of the Jack Meador collection, as noted in the book, and the detailed Certificate of Engraving and Appraisal ensures its provenance and value as a piece of both historical and artistic importance.
This item is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
**The owner states that it is his understanding that the gun has not been fired since its full professional restoration in 1984!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, Contracted by the Auto-Ordnance Corporation
Model: 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun
Serial: 8171
Date of Manufacture: 1931
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Black Oxide
Barrel Length: 10 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Lyman Ladder Style Rear
Stock/Grips: American Black Walnut Stock and Forearm
Action: Full Automatic, Class III, Submachine Gun
Markings: The right side of the receiver is stamped “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION / NEW YORK, U.S.A.” and “PATENTED / MARCH 9,1915 JULY 27,1920 / MAY 4,1920 AUGUST 10,1920 / MAY 25,1920 SEPTEMBER 7,1920 / MAY 25,1920 OCTOBER 26,1920 / DECEMBER 28,1920.” The left side of the receiver is stamped “THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN, / CALIBRE .45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE / MANUFACTURED BY / COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN., U.S.A.” and “MODEL OF 1921, NO 8121.” According to the Certificate of Engraving and Appraisal, this Thompson has approximately 30 feet of 24K gold wire inlay. All the borders are gold inlayed, and each barrel flute is also inlayed in 24K gold wire. Six of the working parts are 24K gold plated. Featured through the gun are 13 names that are also inlayed in gold wire: these are “S. Gelnn Young,” “Earl & Carl Shelton,” "Herrin Mine Massacre," “Sheriff Jim Pritchard,” “St. Valentine's Day Massacre,” “Baby Face Nelson,” “John Dillinger,” Machine Gun Kelly," “Pretty Boy Floyd,” “K-K-K,” “Shady Rest,” “Jefferson County Sheriff G. Holcomb,” and the engravers mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson submachine gun, often referred to as the "Tommy gun," "Chicago typewriter," or "trench broom," is one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century. Designed by Brigadier General John T. Thompson in 1918, the weapon was conceived as a response to the need for an automatic firearm capable of breaking the stalemate of trench warfare in World War I. Though it didn’t see combat during the war due to delays in production, the Thompson quickly gained recognition for its high rate of fire, rugged design, and versatility. It was the first weapon to be marketed as a "submachine gun" and became widely adopted by both military and law enforcement units in the years that followed. Initially, it was used by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Banana Wars and later gained infamy during Prohibition as the weapon of choice for gangsters and organized crime syndicates, notably in the 1920s. The Thompson’s association with criminals led to its nickname "Chicago typewriter" due to its distinctive sound. This connection to the criminal underworld, however, was balanced by its use by law enforcement agencies and the military, where it became an indispensable tool during both World Wars.
Model: 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun
Serial: 8171
Date of Manufacture: 1931
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Black Oxide
Barrel Length: 10 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Lyman Ladder Style Rear
Stock/Grips: American Black Walnut Stock and Forearm
Action: Full Automatic, Class III, Submachine Gun
Markings: The right side of the receiver is stamped “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION / NEW YORK, U.S.A.” and “PATENTED / MARCH 9,1915 JULY 27,1920 / MAY 4,1920 AUGUST 10,1920 / MAY 25,1920 SEPTEMBER 7,1920 / MAY 25,1920 OCTOBER 26,1920 / DECEMBER 28,1920.” The left side of the receiver is stamped “THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN, / CALIBRE .45 AUTOMATIC COLT CARTRIDGE / MANUFACTURED BY / COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN., U.S.A.” and “MODEL OF 1921, NO 8121.” According to the Certificate of Engraving and Appraisal, this Thompson has approximately 30 feet of 24K gold wire inlay. All the borders are gold inlayed, and each barrel flute is also inlayed in 24K gold wire. Six of the working parts are 24K gold plated. Featured through the gun are 13 names that are also inlayed in gold wire: these are “S. Gelnn Young,” “Earl & Carl Shelton,” "Herrin Mine Massacre," “Sheriff Jim Pritchard,” “St. Valentine's Day Massacre,” “Baby Face Nelson,” “John Dillinger,” Machine Gun Kelly," “Pretty Boy Floyd,” “K-K-K,” “Shady Rest,” “Jefferson County Sheriff G. Holcomb,” and the engravers mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson submachine gun, often referred to as the "Tommy gun," "Chicago typewriter," or "trench broom," is one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century. Designed by Brigadier General John T. Thompson in 1918, the weapon was conceived as a response to the need for an automatic firearm capable of breaking the stalemate of trench warfare in World War I. Though it didn’t see combat during the war due to delays in production, the Thompson quickly gained recognition for its high rate of fire, rugged design, and versatility. It was the first weapon to be marketed as a "submachine gun" and became widely adopted by both military and law enforcement units in the years that followed. Initially, it was used by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Banana Wars and later gained infamy during Prohibition as the weapon of choice for gangsters and organized crime syndicates, notably in the 1920s. The Thompson’s association with criminals led to its nickname "Chicago typewriter" due to its distinctive sound. This connection to the criminal underworld, however, was balanced by its use by law enforcement agencies and the military, where it became an indispensable tool during both World Wars.
The Thompson submachine gun saw extensive use during World War II, with over 1.5 million units produced, and was used by U.S. and Allied forces in a variety of roles, from close-quarters combat to vehicle crews and airborne troops. The most widely produced versions during WWII were the M1928A1, M1, and M1A1 models, with the latter being a simplified version of the original. The M1A1 was a notable departure from the earlier models, omitting the Blish lock and oiling system, and had a more cost-effective design suited to wartime production. After the war, the selective-fire Thompsons were largely phased out in favor of newer, more efficient submachine guns, though numerous semi-automatic civilian versions are still being produced today by Auto-Ordnance. These semi-auto models retain the iconic appearance of their predecessors but have been modified to comply with modern U.S. firearm laws. Due to their historic significance, craftsmanship, and connection to the Prohibition era and World War II, original Thompson submachine guns, especially rare pre-production and Colt models, are highly sought after by collectors.
The Colt Thompson Model 1921, serial number 8171, often referred to as the "Bloody Williamson" Thompson, is an extraordinarily rare and historically significant firearm. This particular Tommy gun is intricately linked to the violent history of Williamson County, Illinois, which earned the nickname "Bloody Williamson" due to a series of violent events during the 1920s. Notable incidents included the Herrin Massacre of 1922, the Klan War from 1924-1926, and the Birger/Shelton Gang War of 1926, which saw numerous violent confrontations. The Illinois National Guard was called upon multiple times during this turbulent period to restore order. The Thompson submachine gun itself is a symbol of this era, having been originally owned by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and its history adds to its mystique as a law enforcement weapon during a time when submachine guns were becoming notorious for their association with organized crime. The gun’s craftsmanship is remarkable, with an elaborate 24k gold wire inlay meticulously done by renowned engraver Jeff Flannery in 1984. The engraving and inlay work elevates this Model 1921 to a level of artistry, making it not only a historical piece but also a collectible work of fine craftsmanship. The gun’s provenance adds further value to its historical narrative—this Colt Thompson was originally part of the Ohio State Department of Corrections collection and had been deactivated by cutting a section out of the center of the receiver, a standard procedure for demilitarizing firearms. As part of the Jack Meador collection, this Thompson stands as a tangible link to both the violent history of 1920s Illinois and the early days of the Thompson submachine gun, which became infamous for its widespread use by both law enforcement and criminals during the Prohibition era. Today, it remains a unique and highly sought-after piece of firearm history, particularly for collectors of both Thompson submachine guns and artifacts related to the Prohibition era and organized crime.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Pelican 1700 case, a serial matching factory letter from Auto-Ordnance Company, a Certificate of Engraving Appraisal signed by Jeffrey W. Flannery, along with a host of other paperwork, books, and accessories as pictured above including a “shooters bolt” to use while shooting to not risk the original bolt!"
Please Note:
This item is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Please Note: This firearm is a restricted, National Firearms Act (NFA) Class 3 Fully Automatic Weapon, registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. It holds a designation of "LIMITED TO USE AS A SALES SAMPLE (Pre-86)" and may only be purchased by a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) with a Class 2 or Class 3 SOT License.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
