1930's Gangster Era Thompson

[USMC David]

Gentlemen, does anybody have any examples that they would like to post that represent this era, a truly fascinating time in US history

Thank you in advance

David

[Gary Cain]

Hi David,
I have a 1921 TMSG that I am still waiting on the transfer for. I have all the accessories plus the lower reciever. When I get back from the SOS I will post pics of what I have.


Cheers
Gary

Gentlemen, does anybody have any examples that they would like to post that represent this era, a truly fascinating time in US history

Thank you in advance

David

[USMC David]

Thanks Gary, that would be very nice to see


Best regards

David

[JaimeH]

I saw an advertisment from the 20s or 30s where Thompson was selling his sub machine gun to ranchers for coyote control. I read where he invented the gun for WWI but the war ended. Then he had a hard time selling it due to the deppression (no class 3 needed then ). He did not like the image the gangsters gave it, and was about to stop when the US government started placing orders.

[Justen_Wilson]

I have a question for you. during the 20's when people, ranchers bought the Thompson. later on did they have to get a class III if they still owned the sub? How did all that work out? The Government didn't just take them up did they? And when was the ban? Was it the Amnesty of 1968 or earlier?

[captainhoot]

Justen.
Prior to 1934, anyone could walk into a hardware store and purchase a machine gun, for any reason. Thompson's were expensive, at a retail cost of $275.00.
The National Firearms Act (NFA) was passed in 1934, largely because of the public disgust and outrage after the St. Valentine's Day Massacre on Feb. 14th 1929. Until this happened, the public conscience tolerated a few "wise guys" whacking each off, now and then.
After Feb. 14th, 1929, lawmakers and the public wanted change. Thus the NFA was passed, which allowed the Fed. Gov't. to control this type of weapons. In other words, the Gov't would always know who and were these guns were.
In 1968, the Gun Control Act (GCA) was signed into Federal law. This restricted entry of foriegn machine guns into the U.S. Also in 1968, the amnesty took place, as part of the GCA. That allowed anyone owning an "illegal" NFA weapon to come forward and register those weapons (brought back from foreign wars), without fear of prosecution.
On May 19, 1986, no new MG's could be manufactured or converted to full auto.
Hope this helps. that concludes the history lesson for today !! Class dismissed.

-Andrew

[Michael Page]

IIRC there were a few Thompsons that were manufactured in .38 Super...boy I wish I had one of those.

[fordgpw]

Thompson Pre War

David:
Go to www.whites truck stop.com and look at their armory.They really have a nice one to see, plus all kinds of other goodies.Regards Danny