Valuation Guides Machine Guns M1 Thompson
Published: May 26, 2025 | Updated: February 17, 2026
How Much is My M1 Thompson Worth?
The M1 Thompson was a wartime simplification of earlier Thompson designs, offering easier production while maintaining battlefield reliability in World War II.
Curious about how much your M1 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.
About the M1 Thompson
Introduced as a cost-effective alternative to the 1928A1, the M1 Thompson featured simplified internals and removed features like the Blish lock and drum magazine capability. Furthermore, the complicated top-mounted actuator was replaced with a simplified side-mounted charging handle. The 1928A1 Lyman rear sights assembly was replaced with a simple stamped L-shaped peep sight and the Cuts compensator and barrel fins were eliminated. Although these revisions would drastically reduce the cost and time of production, the M1 Thompson remained a formidable force on the battlefield
Origin
United States
Manufacturer
Auto-Ordnance (Bridgeport, CT), Auto-Ordnance (West Hurley, NY), Savage Arms
Caliber
.45 ACP
Rate of Fire
600–700 rounds/min
Notable Uses
WWII U.S. infantry, paratroopers
M1 Thompson Machine Gun Values & Variants
Transferable M1 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
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Post-War Commercial Examples (West Hurley)
Estimated Value: $18,000 – $22,000
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Registered Dewats Reactivated
Estimated Value: $22,000 – $26,000
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Auto-Ordnance or Savage Military-Issue (C&R Eligible)
Estimated Value: $28,000 – $34,000
Market values reviewed by Chris Wing, Lead Firearms Valuation Specialist
Factors That Influence M1 Thompson Values
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Originality:
Transferable M1 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 M1 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 M1 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 M1 Thompson has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.
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Transfer Status:
Transferrable M1 Thompsons will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.
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Receiver Type & Build Origin:
M1 Thompsons built on original receivers typically hold more value than rewelds or aftermarket builds.
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About Us
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 process
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Step 1
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Tell us what you have
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos. This helps us identify what you have.
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Step 2
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We verify your make & model
We review your information and images to assess the condition and value of your firearm.
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Step 3
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We make an offer
We’ll provide an offer on your firearm and, if accepted, provide a shipping label.
Recent customer reviews
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Frequently asked questions
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- How much is a transferable M1 Thompson worth in 2026?
- In the current 2026 market, transferable M1 Thompson values generally range from $17,000 to $28,000 depending on originality, condition, correct configuration and included magazines or accessories.
- What factors most affect the value of an M1 Thompson?
- Originality, correct configuration and condition drive pricing differences. Matching parts, correct markings and strong mechanical condition generally support higher values, especially when accompanied by period-correct magazines and accessories.
- Does configuration or parts correctness impact M1 Thompson pricing?
- Yes. Correct configuration and period-correct components matter to collectors. Non-matching or heavily modified examples can still be valuable, but they are typically priced differently than correct, original configurations.
- Do you buy M1 Thompson machine guns?
- Yes. WeBuyGuns.com buys transferable machine guns nationwide. Share photos of markings, overall condition and any paperwork details and we can provide a current value range and purchase offer with clear next steps.
- Can I sell an M1 Thompson I inherited?
- Yes, if it is legally transferable. Eligibility depends on registration history and paperwork. We can help you understand what you have and outline the compliant path to sell.