Up for auction in Ohio: A Thompson Model 1921
If you’re looking to purchase a Tommy gun, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office in northeastern Ohio will have one up for auction in September.
The Thompson Model 1921 machine gun was purchased on May 13, 1934, by then-Sheriff Abe Laird.
Current Sheriff Orvis Campbell said the gun is “almost the Holy Grail of Thompsons.” He also said it was the weapon of choice for law enforcement of that era.
“You put a 50-round or 100-round drum in this, it’ll empty a 100-round drum in less than 8 seconds,” Campbell said. “It was a game-changer.”
Of course, it’s unknown exactly what prompted Laird to make the purchase (as if you really need a reason to buy a Tommy gun), but Campbell speculates it had something to do with mine riots in Tuscarawas County during the Great Depression.
Regardless, after more than eight decades, the department made the decision to auction the antique, with the profits helping to pay for new equipment and more modern weapons.
While the gun, which has been stored in the department’s armory and cleaned several times a year, has a fixed value of $37,000, Campbell said he’ll be shocked if it doesn’t bring in $50,000.
“To these enthusiasts, the moment they saw it, they’re like, are you kidding me?” Campbell said.
Read More On:
Latest Reviews
-
AMT Backup .380 Review: Fun With a Retro Pocket Pistol
I’m rather fascinated with pocket guns, so when I came across this AMT Backup 380 in Guns.com's Certified Used stockpile, I had to give it a try. It's an interesting and affordable retro pistol.
Read More -
Winchester Model 100 in .243 Win Stands the Test of Time
Every now and then I happen upon a neat little rifle I’ve never heard of, like this Winchester Model 100. Let's see if this mid-century deer hunter chambered in .243 Winchester still has what it takes.
Read More -
Palm Full of Parabellum: A Review of the 9mm Bond Arms Stubby
Texas-based Bond Arms, the country's go-to maker of double-barreled derringer-style handguns in usable calibers, recently introduced an ultra-compact new 9mm-- the aptly named Stubby.
Read More -
.243 Winchester: Spicy Short-Action Cartridge with Staying Power
The short-action .243 Winchester is a long-lasting, incredibly versatile chambering, but is it still relevant in a world of newer 6mm cartridges? Let's dig in and find out.
Read More
