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Honoring John T. Thompson’s Submachine Gun
Few firearms can instantly bring to mind the courageous men of war, the legendary era of the Roaring Twenties, and the lore of the gangster age like the American-made Tommy Gun. Whether in the trenches of war, in the arms of notorious gangsters or the lawmen that hunted them down, it is said that the Thompson was “born in battle.” Idealized and feared alike, the Tommy Gun became a beloved firearm for the American law, the American underbelly, and the American troops in battle around the world.
Throughout history, few weapons have changed the course of war and order like the Thompson. As it has since the 1920’s, the unmistakable profile of the Thompson evokes a sense of respect and awe. With its fierce use in the islands of the Pacific and across Europe in World War II, in the rugged terrain of Korea and early on in Vietnam, plus with its famed reputation in the 20’s and 30’s, the lore of the Thompson continued to grow with every pull of the trigger.
The Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of America’s legendary submachine gun, America Remembers proudly presents the Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson. For this Tribute, America Remembers selected the semi-automatic Thompson. The Thompson rifles are produced by the expert gunsmiths of Thompson/Auto Ordnance Corporation, the company originally founded by General John T. Thompson. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each working Thompson in sparkling 24-karat gold and nickel. In addition, it also features blackened patinaed highlights that accentuate the details of the artwork. Every Tribute is near-mirror polished, blued-steeled, and is embellished with 24-karat gold decorations, including the butt plate, compensator, rear sight, swivels, and trigger. Complementing the shimmering gold are the Tribute’s stocks, crafted of richly polished walnut.
The Gun That Made Headlines in the Twenties and Thirties
In 1915, as the brutal fighting of World War I raged, retired Army General John T. Thompson envisioned a lightweight, fully automatic firearm as “…a one-man, hand held machine gun. A trench boom!” Thompson had hoped to have his new weapon ready in time to help troops in the thick of battle, but the first prototypes weren’t ready until right as The Great War ended.
In the years following the war, the sweeping decision to make alcohol illegal across the country helped spark the rise of organized crime. The Thompson was touted as the ultimate crime-fighting tool. Unfortunately, some of the country’s most active gangsters began to appreciate the Thompson for the same reason law enforcement did: it was compact, could be concealed, and light enough that its tremendous firepower could be unleashed swiftly.
Although not officially issued to the FBI until 1935 (the same year the Bureau of Investigation became the FBI), the officers of BOI began using Thompsons in 1933 following the Kansas City Massacre, which saw the shootout and death of four officers at the Union Square railroad depot. As the tides would soon turn in favor of the law, the reckoning of the notorious gangsters would begin.
The infamous George “Machine Gun” Kelly got his nickname from the Thompson he used on a summer night in 1933 to kidnap oilman Charles Urschel from his home in Oklahoma City. When the lawmen finally caught up to him, the unarmed and terrified outlaw is reputed to have screamed “Don’t shoot, G-men, I give up!” J. Edgar Hoover’s G-Men (or Government men) would go on to bring an end to some of America’s most violent and prolific gangsters such as, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and Baby Face Nelson.
The Tommy Gun Goes To War
In 1939, when war started in Europe, Allied countries were desperate for available firearms; the British snatched up the Thompson.
The Tommy Gun proved ferocious in street fights, easily blowing doors off their hinges and able to wreak havoc on dark corners and suspicious buildings. Tommy guns were particularly effective from the air as paratroopers armed with Thompsons enjoyed a much smoother landing when they could clear the way with a shower of .45 slugs. The versatile submachine gun also took center stage as the official firearm of the specially created Harley-Davidson motorcycle squads that rumbled through Europe, scouting ahead for American Tank Battalions.
More than one million Thompsons were made between 1941 and 1945. Fighting men used them in every theater of the war from the frozen terrain of Europe to the harsh “island hopping” campaigns of the Pacific.
The United States military went on to use the Thompson in limited capacity during the Korean War as well as in Vietnam, but it was during the Second World War that the Tommy Gun earned the ultimate respect of our fighting men; respect that it holds to this day as one of the most celebrated and important military firearms in history.
And Exclusive Edition – Order Now
Only 1000 Tributes will ever be produced. Each Tribute is individually numbered and shipped with a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity, which will confirm your place among the elite ranks of collectors. Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working semi-automatic Tribute through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. You do not need a special license to own this Tribute as anyone who can own a standard hunting rifle can own this in most communities (not available in CA, CT, or NY). As always, you will receive your Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson with our 30 day guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund.
In every phase of its conception, design and execution, and in every detail of its finish, we have held fast to the goal of creating a handsome and powerful Tribute to the golden era of the Thompson. The Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson is sure to be the centerpiece for any discriminating firearms collection; it is a superbly crafted Tribute that, when passed from generation to generation, will ensure its legendary performance earns it a place of honor among history’s greatest firearms.
The right side of the receiver features scenes of World War II. On the far left, American forces are landing on an island in the Pacific. Led by General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, “Island Hopping” was a strategy employed by the United States. The artwork to the right is an American soldier with his Thompson. The logo in the center reads “Centennial Anniversary: Trusted Companion for Troops.”
Also featured is John Taliaferro Thompson, the founder and developer of the Thompson Submachine Gun, holding a Thompson. The final two images show a Sherman Tank and soldiers firing their Thompsons in battle. The picture on the far right features the a Thompson with the horizontal fore grip; this grip is more commonly associated with military use.
The left side of the receiver captures a scene outside a Prohibition Era speakeasy, where three gangsters ready themselves to shoot at a rival establishment. The logo in the center reads “Centennial Anniversary Tommy Gun: An American Legend,” which captures its historic longevity. To the right, a Prohibition Era lawman holds his Thompson. The picture on the far left features a Thompson with the vertical fore grip; this grip is commonly associated with gangsters of the 1920’s and 30’s.
Shipping Procedures
Since The Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson is a working semi-automatic Thompson submachine gun, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. You do not need a special license to own the historic firearm. Anyone who can own a standard hunting rifle can own this, in most communities. (Not available in California, Connecticut, or New York)
Order
I wish to reserve the The Centennial Anniversary Tribute Thompson, a working semi-automatic Thompson submachine gun, at the introductory price of $2,995*. My deposit of $295 per submachine gun is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $135 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included. Thirty-day return privilege.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
