An Ohio sheriff’s department is to auction a rare low serial number Thompson submachine gun (#2575) from 1921 to raise funds for its activities.

The gun was originally purchased by a Sheriff Abe Laird in 1934.

The Tommy gun can fire around 700 rounds per minute 

Over the years it has been used sparingly and cleaned regularly, meaning it’s still in perfect working order almost 100 years on.

Sheriff Orvis Campbell told local paper the Times Reporter: “I will be shocked — and I mean absolutely shocked, because we’re having serious conversations with very wealthy people — if it doesn’t bring $50,000…

“To these enthusiasts, the moment they saw it, they’re like, are you kidding me? This is almost the Holy Grail of Thompsons…

“We always knew, for as long as I’ve been here, that this was a special Thompson, but we didn’t know to what rate”.

The sale will take place at the Tuscarawas County Justice Center in New Philadelphia on September 11.

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