Documented Law Enforcement Shipped Colt Model 1921/1928 U.S. Navy Overstamp Thompson Submachine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Extra Magazines

A standout Colt Thompson with exceptional collector appeal, this “U.S. NAVY” Model 1928 is a historically significant example of a Colt-manufactured Model 1921 Thompson SMG updated with 1928-pattern internals and documented police provenance from Clearwater, Florida.

• Originally manufactured by Colt as a Model 1921 Thompson SMG
• One of the Model 1921 Thompsons that remained in inventory due to sluggish early sales:
  • At the time, the Thompson was a novel, untested, and expensive weapon
  • History has since fully vindicated it as one of the all-time finest “heavy metal” submachine guns
• Updated by Colt from Model 1921 configuration to “U.S. NAVY” Model 1928 configuration:
  • Remaining 1921 inventory was refitted with 1928-pattern internal parts
  • The second “1” in the model marking was overstruck with an “8”
  • “U.S. NAVY” was added to the markings to highlight the U.S. Marine Corps connection
• Historically important U.S. Marine Corps connection:
  • The U.S. Marine Corps was an early adopter of the Thompson
  • Marine Corps feedback helped shape the Model 1928 Thompson
  • Key improvement included reconfigured internals to reduce the rate of fire for better full-auto controllability
• Documented in Gordon Herigstad’s “Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers and Histories,” page 1071:
  • Listed as shipped to the Police Department of Clearwater, Florida
  • Shipment date is unspecified
• Notable law-enforcement and Prohibition-era appeal:
  • Clearwater is located near Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico
  • The exact use by the Clearwater Police Department is unrecorded
  • Given Clearwater’s waterfront location, alcohol smuggling by boat during Prohibition was likely a factor in acquiring top-tier firepower
• Later recorded provenance includes:
  • Dick Leandri of Clearwater, Florida
  • “William Douglas Military Museum,” likely referring to the National Armed Services and Law Enforcement Memorial Museum in Dunedin, Florida, where William Douglas was executive director, circa 2009
  • Collection of Chris Rattican, circa 2009
  • D&D Sales, circa 2011
  • Stan Watson, circa 2012
• Classic Thompson configuration and highly desirable period features:
  • Blade front sight mounted on an unmarked Cutts compensator
  • Folding Lyman rear sight
  • Signature finned barrel for improved cooling and iconic Thompson appearance
  • Dual pistol grips
  • Quick-detachable buttstock
  • Sling swivels installed on the left side of the front grip and on the belly of the buttstock
• Receiver markings:
  • Left side bears the “U.S. NAVY” model markings ahead of the 5-line address and caliber markings
  • “Thompson” bullet logo on top of the receiver
  • Auto-Ordnance address on the right side
  • 6-line patent markings on the right side
• Matching-number trigger group:
  • Trigger group is numbered to match the receiver on the underside
  • Knurled selector lever marked “FULL/AUTO” and “SINGLE”
  • Knurled safety lever marked “FIRE” and “SAFE”
• 1928-pattern internal components:
  • Reduced spring and spring guide
  • Correspondingly heavier bolt assembly
  • Brass Blish lock
  • “S” marked charging handle
  • “P” and “S” marked bolt
  • Felt padded oiler
• Included accessories:
  • Vintage-style black leatherette hard case
  • Modern soft case
  • Type “L” 50-round drum magazine, numbered “1264” on both front and back
  • Four stick magazines
  • Cleaning rod

With its Colt manufacture, “U.S. NAVY” conversion, matching trigger group, documented Clearwater Police Department history, Prohibition-era law-enforcement intrigue, and desirable accessories, this Thompson offers the kind of provenance, historical significance, and collector presence that make it a centerpiece-grade acquisition.