Published: May 26, 2025 | Updated: February 17, 2026
How Much is My M1A1 Thompson Worth?
The M1A1 Thompson is a WWII-era submachine gun known for its rugged design, historical significance, and iconic profile. As a U.S.-made open-bolt .45 ACP firearm, transferable M1A1s remain highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Curious about how much your M1A1 Thompson submachine 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 M1A1 Thompson
The M1A1 Thompson is further-simplified variant of the M1 Thompson, widely issued to U.S. troops during WWII. It features an open-bolt blowback design, a fixed firing pin, rear sight protectors, simplified firing controls and was chambered in .45 ACP. Many transferable examples were registered post-war, with a portion of original military-issue guns falling under C&R status, driving up their collector value.
Origin
United States
Manufacturer
Auto-Ordnance (Bridgeport, CT), Savage Arms
Rate of Fire
600–700 rounds per minute
Notable Uses
WWII, U.S. military forces
M1A1 Thompson Machine Gun Values & Variants
Transferable M1A1 Thompson submachine 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 $34,000, depending on configuration and provenance.
Common Variants & Value Ranges
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Auto-Ordnance or Savage Military-Issue (C&R Eligible)
Estimated Value: $28,000 – $34,000
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Registered Dewats Reactivated
Estimated Value: $22,000 – $26,000
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Post-War Commercial Examples (West Hurley)
Estimated Value: $18,000 – $22,000
Market values reviewed by Chris Wing, Lead Firearms Valuation Specialist
Factors That Influence M1A1 Thompson Values
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Originality:
Transferable M1A1 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 M1A1 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 M1A1 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 M1A1 Thompson has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.
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Transfer Status:
Transferrable M1A1 Thompsons will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.
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Receiver Type & Build Origin:
M1A1 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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Step 2
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Frequently asked questions
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- How much is a transferable M1A1 Thompson worth in 2026?
- In the current 2026 market, transferable M1A1 Thompson values generally range from $18,000 to $34,000 depending on originality, correct configuration, condition and included magazines or accessories.
- What factors most affect the value of an M1A1 Thompson?
- Originality, correct configuration and condition drive pricing differences. Matching parts and correct markings generally support higher values, especially with period-correct magazines and accessories.
- Does configuration correctness impact M1A1 Thompson pricing?
- Yes. Collectors value correct configuration and period-correct components. Modified or mismatched examples can still be valuable but are typically priced differently than correct configurations.
- Do you buy M1A1 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 M1A1 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.