By Bard Melloni
The Thompson submachine gun is one of the most recognizable firearms ever produced, often seen in popular movies and TV shows. Whether this platform reminds you of trench-clearing doughboys or Italian mob bosses, its appearance alone is instantly recognizable and forever tied to America’s history.
Before 1934, if you had $200 burning a hole in your pocket, you could visit your local gun shop and buy a full-auto Tommy Gun without any sort of tax stamp or special license required. This high price tag didn’t completely halt sales, as thousands were sold, some of which fell into the mob’s hands. Frequently used by the Chicago crime syndicate during the Prohibition era, it earned the nickname “The Chicago Typewriter.”