Selling MGC 1921 Thompson Submachine Gun

I've had this gun for 30 years and I'm trying to figure out more about it.

#1 How do it find out when it was made? On the barrel it has 'MODEL OF 1921 (below) NO.' -but no numbers after NO.

#2 I'm thinking about selling it. Should I clean it first? As a kid I played with this gun a lot. Other than some rust and the wood is faded it still cocks, fires and is in good condtion.

Any expert thoughts would help.

This is my first post:

I've had this gun for 30 years. It's got some rust (mainly on one side of the drum) and the wood is faded, but I thought a real model gun enthusiast would clean it up better then me. Still in great condition and could look like new.

I wish I could find out when it was manufactured, but there's no serial number 'MODEL OF 1921 NO.'

Let me know if you're interested, as I'm still unsure how to ship it...or even except payment. I've tried to find a good price, but all the listings I've found are for new guns (mainly ebay). I don't know if it being older adds value or not?




It's a dummy version, with bolt and 2 allen screws.

I wish I knew when the gun was manufactured. I got it as a kid 30 years ago. The wood is faded and there's some rust, on the drum mainly, but in great condition. Still fires and all the pieces work (scope, etc). Could look like new with a cleaning from someone who knows what they're doing.

I don't know if the age of the gun hurts or helps, but I was thinking around $300USD.

I tried to post some pictures by 'host an image', but don't see them. With some instruction, I'd like to attach a few pictures.

I don't see a number.

Hi. No number/date stamp means it is an early version. Is there a screw there in front of where the drum mag slides in? If not, it is most likely a dummy that was imported through Collector's Armoury or a similar retailer. As stated above, these models were "deactivated". They can be made to fire, but parts have to be purchased. Namely a bolt, chamber, spring buffer and chamber retaining screw. Does your mag wind up? If not, it may not have any internals and may be a dummy, also. The drum mags are hard to come by and adds value if it is not a dummy. MGC tommy guns are great models. Usually strong and reliable firing models.

There is no screw by the drum. The drum mag just spins, so it must be hollow.

Does the age help or hinder the value? Also, should I clean it, or try to sell it as is? It's a solid piece of equipment...it's built well.

It may be not worth returning it to a firing model due to the cost, even if you can. It depends on how the barrel/chamber area is blocked and if it can be freed. The parts are becoming scarce and more expensive in the US - but we have friends of the forum in Japan and the UK that can help you out if you decide to go that route.
Some collectors appreciate the older models, as I do, but only as a firing model due to the open barrel design. Value is in the eye of the beholder, I believe.