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How Much is My 1928 Thompson Worth?

The 1928 Thompson evolved from the original 1921 design with key improvements like a delayed bolt and finned barrel. These iconic submachine guns served in military, law enforcement and commercial roles worldwide.

Curious about how much your 1928 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 1928 Thompson

Due to US military demand (particularly in the Navy) and a further need to improve upon the design, the original 1921 saw subtle revisions. The iconic “Cutts Compensator” was added to the barrel to help counteract the extreme upward force of recoil caused by the potent .45ACP cartridge. Additionally, a heavier actuator was added to reduce the cyclic rate of the SMG and the iconic forward vertical grip could be exchanged for a simplified horizontal fore end if preferred by the owner. In 1927, the US Navy ordered 500 model 1928 Thompsons, some of which were simply converted from 1921 models. Known as Colt “1921/1928 Navy Overstamps”, the 1928 components would simply be added to existing 1921 models and sent out the door. Due to their unique place in history, the 1928 Thompson is a well-regarded and highly prized submachine gun amongst NFA collectors.

Origin

United States

Manufacturer

Colt, Auto-Ordnance (Bridgeport, CT) / Auto-Ordnance (West Hurley, NY)

Caliber

.45 ACP

Rate of Fire

600–700 rounds/min

Notable Uses

Law enforcement, military (pre-WWII), commercial export

1928 Thompson Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable 1928 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 $17,000 to $28,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • 1928 Thompson Auto-Ordnance (West Hurley)

    Estimated Value: $17,000 – $22,000

  • 1928 Thompson Auto-Ordnance (Bridgeport)

    Estimated Value: $22,000 – $28,000

Factors That Influence 1928 Thompson Values

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Originality:

Transferable 1928 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 1928 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 1928 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 1928 Thompson has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

Transferrable 1928 Thompsons will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

1928 Thompsons built on original receivers typically hold more value than rewelds or aftermarket builds.

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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
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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.
What is a 1928 Thompson worth?
West Hurley models typically range from $17,000 to $22,000, while Auto-Ordnance models can reach $28,000, depending on originality and condition.
Are all 1928 Thompsons transferable?
Only those registered before May 19, 1986 are fully transferable under federal law.
What makes the Auto-Ordnance version more valuable?
Collectors value early Auto-Ordnance production for its historical authenticity and build quality compared to later West Hurley guns.
How can I sell a 1928 Thompson?
WeBuyGuns.com makes the process easy by handling all paperwork, compliance and shipping logistics for transferable machine guns.
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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