#ThompsonSubmachineGun

Thompson submachine gun is one of the first weapons of the XX century that become a true mass culture icon. Even now very few weapons are as legendary as an old Tommy Gun (“Chicago Typewriter”, “Trench Broom” or any other nickname you want to use). It was developed for the trench warfare of the First World War but became famous in the 20s, gaining an undeserved reputation of “gangster weapon”.

Continuing our series of articles telling about the most expensive firearms sold in the major US auction houses, today we’ll take a look at the ten most expensive firearms sold in December 2017 Rock Island Premiere Auction. This time there are also two world records set.

The St. Louis Police Department is upgrading their hardware by selling off some historic and collectible submachine guns. Twenty Seven iconic Thompsons bought newly 100 years ago for $125 will be sold to Midwest Distributors in Kentucky for $22K each. Being that they are properly registered NFA items, Midwest will in turn sell the rifles to private collectors via the ATF Form 3/Form 4 transfer process.

This particular post need very little in the way of a lead. That’s because it’s not only a post showing one of Hickok45’s better videos but one featuring my personal top wish-list firearm, the Thompson Submachine Gun. Tommy guns were designed in 1917 by General John T. Thompson who hoped to create a gun capable of replacing the bolt-actions in service at the time. The story of the gun’s creation is actually pretty interesting, but most people think of the Tommy gun in one particular way: as a mobster gun. Tommy guns have become the guns of a bygone era, one of gangsters, full-auto rifles, and moonshine. Hickok45 captures those things in his own way in the following video. If you are a fan of this gun, odds are good you’ll enjoy this video. One of these days I’ll get my hands on a Tommy gun…one of these days (to keep, not just to shoot). Hey, I can dream, can’t I?