Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 .45 ACP — United States Air Force Commemorative, American Historical Foundation Issue (USAF027)
This Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 is a United States Air Force Commemorative issued by the American Historical Foundation, marked USAF027. It features gold-filled scrollwork with the Air Force motto, gold-finished appointments, and high-gloss wood furniture with cloisonne-style USAF medallions. A personalized right-side inscription from a USAF Master Sergeant adds provenance. This West Hurley era semi-automatic rifle comes in very good condition with notable presentation details and included accessories.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in great shape. Minor scratches and small blemishes are present on the finish. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Boyt hard case with fitted foam
- Leather sling (installed)
- War Department Technical Manual TM 9-1215: Ordnance Maintenance, Thompson Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1928A1 (March 1, 1942)
- United States Air Force Commemorative Thompson limited edition plaque (American Historical Foundation)
- 1x 20-round Thompson-pattern box magazine
Issued as part of the American Historical Foundation program, this commemorative Thompson carries left-receiver markings reading "UNITED STATES AIR FORCE COMMEMORATIVE THOMPSON" with the motto "TO FLY AND TO FIGHT" in gold. The right receiver bears the American Historical Foundation marking (Richmond, Virginia) and the issue marking USAF027, along with a personalized inscription from a USAF Master Sergeant to the named recipient.
The rifle presents a high-polish blued finish with gold-filled markings and gold-finished components, including the Cutts-style compensator, rear sight assembly, actuator knob, and trigger. High-gloss wood furniture features cloisonne-style inlaid medallions: a USAF roundel in the pistol grip and an "18 SEP. 1947" medallion on the buttstock. The steel buttplate includes a trapdoor, and sling swivels are installed.
Chambered in .45 ACP, the 1927A1 runs a closed-bolt blowback, semi-automatic action with a top-mounted actuator and knurled charging knob. It is configured with a 16.5-inch barrel capped by a Cutts-style compensator, a blade front sight, and a Lyman-style adjustable rear sight with protective ears. The horizontal wooden forearm and high-gloss wood stock match the period-correct styling.
Controls include a manual safety and a semi-auto selector marked FIRE/SAFE. Capacity is 20+1 with the included 20-round box magazine. Length of pull measures 16.25 inches. Manufacture falls within the West Hurley era of Auto-Ordnance production in the United States.