The Thompson M1928 submachine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun", is one of the most famous weapons in 20th century history. It was developed by American engineer John T. Thompson in 1918 and was widely used in World War II, and later in law enforcement and organized crime circles.
The Thompson M1928 was one of the first serial-fire submachine guns, originally designed for the United States Army at the end of World War I, but it arrived too late to participate in the war. However, the weapon became very popular in the 1920s and 1930s, both in military and police use. Its recognizable design and effectiveness made it iconic, especially during the United States Prohibition era, when it was used by both law enforcement and criminals.
The Thompson M1928 has gone down in history not only for its technical capabilities but also for its cultural impact. It appears in many films, television series and literature, often associated with gangsters and law enforcement in the 1920s.