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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.

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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

  • Auto-Ordnance or Savage Military-Issue (C&R Eligible)

    Estimated Value: $28,000 – $34,000

  • Registered Dewats Reactivated

    Estimated Value: $22,000 – $26,000

  • Post-War Commercial Examples (West Hurley)

    Estimated Value: $18,000 – $22,000

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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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.
16 currency dollar We make you an offer.
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 do I know if my Thompson M1A1 is transferable?
Most transferable M1A1 Thompsons were registered before the 1986 NFA cutoff. Original C&R-eligible wartime guns are more valuable, while some examples were reactivated from DEWAT status. Look for a matching serial number and a registered Form 4 or Form 1 to verify transferability.
What makes a C&R M1A1 Thompson more valuable?
C&R (Curio and Relic) eligible Thompsons are valued higher due to historical authenticity and broader transferability. These are often original WWII-issued guns with military markings, and their provenance adds collector appeal.
How do I legally sell my M1A1 Thompson?
To sell a transferable machine gun, you must confirm registration and complete an ATF Form 4 transfer. We handle all paperwork and guide you through the process, including providing shipping labels and instructions. If you’ve inherited a Thompson, contact us to assist with estate transfers.
What affects the value of a M1A1 Thompson?
Factors include condition, originality, historical markings, and whether the firearm is C&R eligible. Markings that link your Thompson to a specific unit, wartime use, or U.S. arsenal can significantly increase its market value.
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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