Vintage Replica Item. Only One Available. This is a well made Japanese replica of the U.S. 1921 Thompson submachine gun, produced by the Model Gun Corporation of Japan and accompanied by its original 1960s box. Commonly identified as the 1921 Thompson “Anti-Bandit” Model Gun, this vintage model gun was designed to reproduce the appearance, handling, disassembly, and mechanical operation of the original wartime submachine gun while functioning only with reusable cap type plug fire cartridges.

Plug Fire Only. This replica cannot fire live ammunition and cannot be converted into a functional weapon. Not available for export or shipment to certain U.S. locations. Please read the legal information and safety guidelines before purchasing.

All purchases are sent by UPS and require an adult signature. Priority Mail is not available for this item. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old, and the recipient signing for the package must be at least 21 years old.

This is a very good example of the MGC Model 1921 Thompson “Anti-Bandit,” retaining much of its original finish and closely reproducing the appearance and handling of the American weapon. The detachable buttstock remains present and can be removed in the same general manner as that of the original Thompson. There is a small amount of play in the stock when it is attached, which should be considered when handling the replica. Attached is an original M1907 leather sling that looks great and adds some character to the replica.

The included sling is an original WWI/WWII M1907 leather sling with heavy period wear, with no markings we can find. It has a great “been-there” look and really completes the set.

MGC reproduced the early commercial Thompson configuration as a mechanically detailed model gun rather than a simple solid decorative replica. These models were made approximately the size and weight of the original firearm and duplicated many of its principal external controls, removable components, and disassembly features.

The reusable plug fire cartridges were designed to accept small caps inserted into their fronts. When the action was cycled, the replica bolt detonated the cap and ejected the cartridge, simulating aspects of the original weapon’s mechanical operation without firing a projectile. The cartridges could then be cleaned and reloaded with additional caps. No cartridges are included with this example.

The side of the receiver is marked:

THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN
MANUFACTURED BY
MGC MODELGUN CORPORATION
TOKYO JAPAN

A separate marking on the side reads:

MODEL OF 1921
NO.

No serial number is present after the NO. marking on this example.

The replica is accompanied by its original cardboard box, which measures 26 ¼ x 9 ¼ x 3” and has some scattered tearing but is overall in great shape. The box exhibits some damage, as shown, but remains an important part of the set.

The original Model of 1921 was the first major production version of the Thompson submachine gun. Manufactured by Colt for the Auto-Ordnance Corporation, it featured the distinctive finned barrel, vertical foregrip, detachable buttstock, adjustable rear sight, and ability to accept both box and drum magazines. Although later Thompson variants became closely associated with U.S. and Allied forces during WWII, the Model 1921 configuration originated as an early commercial weapon marketed before the war.

The “Anti-Bandit” name reflects the early Thompson’s association with law enforcement, private security, and the heavily armed police response to organized crime and armed robbery during the Prohibition period. The packaging identifies the replica as a Thompson M-1921 TAAC Anti-Bandit Submachinegun.

The original box, detachable stock, original sling, and complete receiver markings make this a great displayable example. The slight movement in the attached stock and damage to the box are disclosed, but neither detracts from the set’s value as an example of Japanese model gun manufacture and the enduring influence of the early Colt pattern Thompson. It would be appropriate for a collection of vintage MGC replicas, Thompson related material, Prohibition era arms history, WWII accessories, or Japanese plug fire model guns.