Thompson - 970624-1
Colt Patent Fire Arms Company in Hartford, Connecticut manufactured this weapon for Auto Ordnance Corporation, New York, N.Y., in 1921. This is the Model 1921AC with the "Cutts" compensator. Nice wood, all correct, with the original barrel and the very elusive original FBI type hardcase manufactured by Swetnam Leather Products Co., Kansas City, MO.
I originally purchased this weapon from the Duncan Oklahoma Police Department in 1992. It had been in the department since October of 1933. It was the only Colt Thompson Machine Gun the department ever owned. The Chief of Police was Raymond R. Sharp at that time. At the time of purchase, Mr. Sharp was residing in a local nursing home at the age of 95. Dale Anderson the acting Chief of Police visited with him and got this information from Chief Sharp
“He indicated that he got the weapon in the early part of his career as Chief. He served as Chief twice. Once during 1933 to 1934 and again from 1940 to 1943. The weapon in its original case was kept in Police Headquarters over the years. It would be taken out when a particular situation came up where it was thought that the automatic firepower might be needed. On occasion it would be taken out for firing practice by new officers so they would be familiar with it.”
History:
Duncan Oklahoma Police Department, October 3, 1933
Nick Tilotta Collection, October 26, 1992
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