Historical WWII Documented Auto-Ordnance Model 1928 Thompson .45acp Early Savage Commercial Factory Transferable Submachine Gun, Serial No. S-18042

Status: In Stock / Please Call to Purchase

This Chester County Armory listing is for a unique piece of WWII-era Thompson submachine gun history. A serial number documented Savage produced submachine gun that was initially intended for sale from Auto-Ordnance to the French military as part of an agreed upon second contract, but was unable to be delivered due to the fall of France to the Germans in June of 1940.

This Auto-Ordnance Thompson s.45ac[ submachine gun is an early 1928 model constructed under contract by Savage Arms. Commonly referred to as a “Savage Commercial” model, it is marked with the New York, NY Auto-Ordnance address, making it one of the first Savage 1928 versions constructed prior to AO’s move to Bridgeport, CT.  The serial number on this submachine gun is S-18042. This weapon was meant to be serial number one of a second contract order of 3,000 Model 1928’s that were sold to France to help defend them from German aggression. The French had placed an initial order of 3,000 units early in 1939 and that order (serial no. S-15042 through S-18041) was delivered promptly by Auto-Ordnance. However, before Auto Ordnance could even make good on the delivery of that order, the French placed a second order for an additional 3,000 units late in 1939 after both Great Britain and France declared war on Germany after the German invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939. Unfortunately, Auto-Ordnance was unable to complete and deliver all of these second order units to the French prior to Germany taking over France in June of 1940. This model was produced in November of 1939.

In order to salvage a sale (and move an already existing completed product) Auto-Ordnance pivoted and shipped the vast majority of these models (serial numbers S-18042 through S-21041) to England, instead.  Even, though these models had more higher end features than what England had been ordering prior (and negotiated a lower price for), Auto-Ordnance did not want to sit on the inventory, and found it easier to sell these models to those with cash in hand, even if it had to be at less of a profit.  Other models in this serial number range were also sold to Law Enforcement agencies throughout the US, but are typically well documented as such. This one, however, has no such known trail.

Unfortunately, at the present moment, we are unable to accurately document exactly where this model was shipped after it was removed from the second French contract. To add to the intrigue, the current NFA Form 3 paperwork lists the manufacturer and/or importer as “UNKNOWN.”  This has been known to occur in the NFA registry on both domestic and imported Thompsons (or possibly re-imported) guns from time to time, especially in the early years after the 1934 implementation of the NFA Act. This model does not contain any observed importation marks, which may or may not have been required depending on the time. We have initiated a Freedom of Information Act request for this model that we will gladly share with the purchaser, however, thanks to the speed of government, these type of FOIA requests can often take years to come to fruition.

This fantastic, historically significant transferable machine gun is in excellent operational and mechanical condition for a weapon of its age. All parts appear to be original to the weapon and operate smoothly and appropriately. The barrel, bolt, and actuator are all correctly “S” marked (denoting original Savage manufacturer) and the GEG inspector stamp is clear and pronounced. This model also notes the period correct early Savage buffer rod without a pilot hole for reassembly. It also has the early correct Savage barrel prior to Savage placing a timing mark on the barrel for easier factory installation.

The bolt, Blish lock, actuator, and buffer rod all note only minor to moderate finish wear. The bore remains bright and shiny. The original exterior finish has worn and patinaed at spots, but remains corrosion free.  It also contains the majority of its original white letter inlay on the engraved components. The wood stock, pistol grip, and vertical forearm remain solid and strong, but there are chips and scratches observed throughout.

Purchase of this transferable submachine gun will includes one WWII-era 50rd Auto-Ordnance marked original drum magazine featuring a Bridgeport address and a “U” stamping, indicating the drum was manufactured under contract by United Specialties. It features both the Thompson bullet logo and the “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” instructions.

This amazing piece of Thompson history is currently on a Form 3 for quick and easy NFA transfer.