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June 22, 1934 was a hot summer day in
Chicago. Inside the Biograph Theatre that fateful night, America’s most
wanted gangster, John Dillinger, waited for a film to begin. Outside, Bureau
of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Melvin Purvis and a number of
federal agents waited for their chance to end the country’s most notorious
crime spree.
While Dillinger sat in the cool darkness, an
army of Federal agents covered every possible escape route. Minutes dragged
on like hours until shortly after 10:30pm when Dillinger appeared under the
marquee lights, and Purvis signaled by lighting his cigar. A short chase and
four bullets later, America’s legendary John Dillinger was face down in a
dusty alleyway, marking Melvin H. Purvis forever as a national hero.
In stopping Dillinger, the humble Southern
gentleman had restored hope to a country beaten down by the Great Depression
and an unprecedented explosion of crime. Now America Remembers is excited to
announce an exclusive new Tribute, being issued with the cooperation and
authorization of the family of Melvin Purvis and honoring this true American
hero in the war on crime: The Melvin Purvis Tribute Thompson. Purvis was one
of the dedicated federal agents behind the pursuit of some of the Depression
Era’s most notorious gangsters, including John Dillinger, “Pretty Boy” Floyd
and “Baby Face” Nelson. To celebrate his years of service, courage and
sacrifice, America Remembers selected a firearm synonymous with the
thrilling era of the G-Men and the gangsters they hunted: a working Thompson
Semi-Automatic submachine gun in caliber .45 ACP.
The Legendary Thompson
John T. Thompson developed the Thompson submachine gun in 1919. The retired
Army general wanted to design a weapon that could be used as an automatic
“trench-broom” to sweep enemy trenches. However, in the absence of a global
conflict, the Thompson was immediately touted as the ultimate crime fighting
tool.
Unfortunately, the Thompson’s destructive
capabilities made it the weapon of choice for some of the country’s most
wanted outlaws. But Hoover’s agents proved themselves more than capable with
the powerful firearm, and the Tommy-Gun became equally deadly in the hands
of federal agents. Throughout the epic battles between gangsters and G-Men,
the “Tommy Gun” played a pivotal role. And to this day the Thompson remains
one of the most widely recognized and respected firearms in the world.
Only 300 Tributes Available
Only 300 Melvin Purvis Tribute Thompsons will ever be issued in this
strictly limited edition, honoring one of America’s most famous
Depression-era crime-fighters. Reservations will be accepted in the order
they are received. Shipment of your working Thompson will be arranged
through a licensed dealer of your choice. (Not available in California.) And
if you are not completely satisfied with your Tribute after personal
inspection, you may return it in original unfired condition within 30-days
for a complete refund.
Now is your opportunity to preserve the
exciting history of America’s legendary special agents forever with a
Tribute firearm like the one used by the G-Men. The Melvin Purvis Tribute is
a truly unique collectible that will serve as a powerful reminder of one of
the most exciting and explosive periods in our nation’s history, along with
one of its most legendary lawmen.
Craftsmen
specifically commissioned by America Remembers decorate each Tribute. The Tribute features high-polished, blued
steel, accented with 24-karat gold decorations, including the compensator,
rear sight, trigger and bolt handle.
Right side features a circular frame
identifying the “Melvin Purvis Tribute.” Featured in the center is a
panoramic scene of the final showdown between John Dillinger and federal
agents outside of the Biograph Theatre. On either side of the scene are
depictions of mug shots that were common sights during the gangster era.
Wanted posters, like the one featured below the bolt handler, were hung in
post offices and gathering places to aid the bureau’s pursuit of prominent
criminals.
Left side features a portrait of Special
Agent Melvin Purvis next to the title, ‘Special Agent In Charge.’ Featured
in the center is a detailed scene of Purvis, posed with his trusted Thompson
submachine gun and standing alongside a typical sedan used by agents of the
era. The stamp of the “Auto-Ordnance Corporation, Worcester, Massachusetts,
U.S.A.” is bordered below by two banners reading “Melvin Purvis.” Next to
this is the fabled F.B.I. agent clad in the classic trench coat and fedora.
Free Signed Book
Order now to receive your signed paperback copy of “The Vendetta” by Alston
Purvis, Melvin Purvis’ son.
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