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How Much is My 1921 Thompson Worth?

The 1921 Thompson is the original commercial production model of the infamous 'Tommy Gun.' Produced by Colt for Auto-Ordnance, these early submachine guns are some of the most collectible transferable machine guns on the market.

Curious about how much your 1921 Thompson sub machine gun is worth? Whether you’re looking to sell or simply understand current pricing, we’ll help you assess the market value of your firearm.

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About the 1921 Thompson

Designed by retired US Army general John T. Thompson, the Model of 1921 was the first commercially available version of the Thompson submachine gun. Its distinctive vertical foregrip, drum magazine, high rate of fire, and role in American organized crime have made it legendary. The original design featured the John Blish designed “Blish Lock”, which was intended to control the cyclic rate and reduce any adverse effects caused by friction inside the firearm. It was later determined that the Blish Lock really did nothing more than add cost and complexity to the design. Being the first widely available adaptation of the Thompson hierarchy of submachine guns, the Model 1921 Thompson is prized amongst collectors.

Origin

United States

Manufacturer

Colt (for Auto-Ordnance)

Caliber

.45 ACP

Rate of Fire

800–850 rounds/min

Notable Uses

Prohibition-era law enforcement, organized crime

1921 Thompson Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable 1921 Thompson sub machine guns are highly sought after by NFA collectors and enthusiasts. Value is influenced by originality, condition, variant type and any unique historical markings. Most examples on the market range from $18,000 to $50,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • 1921 Thompson (West Hurley)

    Estimated Value: $18,000 – $25,000

  • 1921 Thompson (Colt)

    Estimated Value: $35,000 – $50,000

Factors That Influence 1921 Thompson Values

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Originality:

Transferable 1921 Thompsons with original receivers, parts, and factory markings typically command higher prices due to their authenticity and appeal to collectors.

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Condition:

Clean, well-maintained 1921 Thompson machine guns in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition will sell for significantly more than worn or modified examples.

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Historical Markings / Provenance:

If there are markings or provenance that link your 1921 Thompson to a specific military unit, wartime service, or historical event - collector interest and market value can greatly increase.

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Restoration:

Whether your 1921 Thompson has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

Transferrable 1921 Thompsons will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

1921 Thompsons built on original receivers and parts are worth more than their West Hurley commercial counterparts.

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Our mission is to make the process of selling your firearm as easy and convenient as possible.

Selling a firearm can be time-consuming and legally complex, especially for machine guns. At webuyguns.com, we streamline the process by purchasing directly from you, saving you time and ensuring a legally compliant, hassle-free transaction. With decades of experience, we provide fair market evaluations and encourage you to compare our offers locally to see the value we bring.

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Our streamlined process makes selling your firearm easy. If you accept our offer, simply package your firearm using the prepaid shipping label we provide. We’ll keep you updated with email notifications at every stage. No hassle, no guesswork—just a smooth, straightforward experience on your terms.

Steps
16 cloud upload Tell us what you have.
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos. This helps us identify what you have. We review your information and images to assess the condition and value of your firearm.
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We’ll provide an offer on your firearm via email within 72 hours, and if accepted, provide instructions to complete the process.
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We’ll provide a shipping label and keep you updated with email notifications tracking recieving the firearm, reviewing its condition and issuing payment.
Item Submitted
Colt Python: Minor scratches with approximately 200 rounds through it.
357 Mag Very Good
Offer Made
Ref # 0973457 .357 magnum Colt Python in very good condition.
$1,300
Offer Approved
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Item Shipped
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Tracking # 9610 1385 1287 3021
Item Received
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Customer Paid
ACH for $1,300 issued to customer account.

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's

Is this legal?
Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store with the item. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
How much is a 1921 Thompson worth?
A Colt-manufactured 1921 Thompson typically ranges between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on condition, accessories, and provenance.
Is the 1921 Thompson legal to sell?
Yes, if it was registered before May 19, 1986, it is fully transferable under federal law.
What affects the value of a 1921 Thompson?
Factors include condition, serial number originality and included magazines or drums. Collector interest also plays a large role in pricing.
Is the 1921 model more valuable than later Thompsons?
Yes, significantly. The 1921 Colt Thompsons are the most desirable due to limited production and historic significance.
How long are offers good for?
Offers are valid for 14 days.
Can I sell multiple firearms?
Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
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