Thompson 1921: The Original Chicago Typewriter
Forgotten Weapons・24 minutes read
The video by Ian McCollum on ForgottenWeapons.com delves into the history and development of the iconic Thompson Submachine Gun, focusing on its unique features, expensive pricing, and role in various military engagements, including Nicaragua and China, marking a significant turning point for the Thompson Company.
Insights
- The Thompson Submachine Gun, developed by General John T. Thompson, was initially designed as a handheld machine gun inspired by World War One trench warfare, featuring unique elements like the Cutts Compensator and specific magazine types.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun's introduction to veteran soldiers in Nicaragua and China in the late 1920s marked a pivotal moment for the weapon and the Thompson Company, shifting perceptions and leading to increased appreciation for the innovative firearm.
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Recent questions
Who developed the Thompson Submachine Gun?
General John T. Thompson
What was the cost of a Thompson Submachine Gun in the 1920s?
$175 to $200
How many rounds could the drum magazines for the Thompson Submachine Gun hold?
50 or 100 rounds
What unique feature did the Thompson Submachine Gun have regarding magazine release?
Specific mechanism
How did the Thompson Submachine Gun differ from other submachine guns in terms of locking open on an empty magazine?
Locks open
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Iconic Thompson Submachine Gun: History and Features
- Ian McCollum presents a video on ForgottenWeapons.com at Morphy Auction House, focusing on the iconic Thompson Submachine Gun.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun was developed by General John T. Thompson, known for his work with the U.S. Military and the 1903 Springfield Rifle.
- Thompson's interest in self-loading firearms led to the creation of the Auto Ordnance Company, working on a semi-automatic rifle and the Thompson Submachine Gun.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun was based on the flawed Blish Principle, which didn't work practically but was patented.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun was initially designed as a handheld machine gun, influenced by the trench warfare of World War One.
- Colt Firearms Company was contracted to manufacture 15,000 Thompson Guns, with Auto Ordnance reselling them at a substantial profit.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun was expensive, costing $175 to $200 in the 1920s, equivalent to the price of a new car.
- The Model of 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun featured a Cutts Compensator to reduce muzzle climb, making it more controllable.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun had unique features like a magazine release mechanism and specific magazine types, including 20-round box magazines and 50-round drum magazines.
- The drum magazines for the Thompson Submachine Gun were notably expensive, retailing for $21 in the 1920s.
12:32
Thompson Gun: History and Mechanics
- For a 1921 model, wind 11 clicks; for a 1928 model, wind 9 clicks.
- 'L' drum is Roman Numeral for 50, 'C' drum for 100 rounds.
- 100 round Drum magazines were unpopular due to weight and size.
- Drum magazine is held in place by rails and grooves, not a button.
- Thompson locks open on empty magazine, unlike most submachine guns.
- Disassembly requires removing butt stock, trigger guard assembly, and recoil spring.
- Blish Lock and Actuator Handle are key components in Thompson disassembly.
- Thompson's firing process involves sear cut and bolt movement.
- Thompson's history includes rejection by U.S. Air Service and European sales tour.
- U.S. Postal Service purchased 200 Thompson Guns for U.S. Marine Corps in 1926.
25:19
Thompson Guns Revolutionize U.S. Military Tactics
- Veteran soldiers with small scale combat experience from the U.S. Military, accustomed to 1903 Springfields, were introduced to Thompson Submachine Guns in Nicaragua in 1926 or '27 and later in China, particularly on the Yangtze, where they greatly appreciated the new weapons, marking a turning point for the Thompson Company.
