THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED.
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, New York, Maryland, or Connecticut.) 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.
Shipping Procedures
The “Melvin Purvis Tribute” is a working Thompson semi-automatic submachine gun, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. You do not need a special license to own the Tribute. Anyone who can own a standard hunting rifle can own this, in most communities. (Not available in CA, CT, MD, NY)
Order
I wish to reserve the “Melvin Purvis Tribute Thompson,” a working Thompson semi-automatic submachine gun, at the current issue price of $2,995*. Each Thompson is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 300, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per Thompson. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* 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.
