*** GM-Guide Lamp Division M3 "Grease Gun" with 9mm Conversion Kit, Extra Magazines
.45 ACP. 8" barrel length. SN: 186924LTD. Fully Transferable on ATF Form 3 or Form 4, subject to state and local ownership restrictions. Full automatic sub-machine gun with removable 30-shot box magazine. Optics include fixed peep sight rear and a blade front sight. Parkerized metal finish with checkered metal pistol grip and wire stock. This item features the early model M3 cocking handle/crank. Also featured is a separate oiler to left side of frame, sheet metal ejection port cover, and welded sling swivels. Item shows crude welding and machine marks overall due to expedited production during the height of WWII combat. Markings include partial "Sub-Machine/Cal .45", cursive-styled "Guide" for Guide Lamp, and "U.S. NO./186924" all stacked to left side of frame/magazine port. Item is also marked with a "P" to right side of frame next to front sight.
The M3 sub machine gun was adopted into service in 1942 as a lightweight low-cost alternative to the cumbersome Thompson M1928A1, or "Tommy Gun." Popularly referred to as the "Grease Gun" because of it's resemblance to the mechanic's tool, the M3 could fire at a rate of 400 rounds per minute. The slow rate of fire compared to German and Russian SMG's allowed skilled shooters to have better control and fire single shot bursts. This specimen shows signs of use and likely saw combat as it is marked with a serial number that dates it to mid-1944 manufacture. The M3 was later updated with improved features and renamed the M3A1. Reliable and easy to maintain, the M3/M3A1 SMG was used by U.S. troops during several conflicts including WWII, the Korean war, Early Vietnam War, and even some parts of the Gulf War.
Lot comes with an M3-9mm bolt and barrel conversion kit similar to an OSS kit. According to Frank Iannamico's text studying the M3, these conversion kits were issued to OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and partisan troops who only had British or captured German ammunition. The M3's simplified design allowed for an easy conversion from .45 ACP to 9mm. The original goal was to produce 25,000 of these conversion kits, but only 500 are believed to have been made during late 1943 and early 1944. Conversion kit features a 9mm magazine filler, two tension springs, a 9mm bolt, and 9mm barrel. This lot also includes an additional .45 ACP barrel and two additional magazines (one extended magazine, one 30-shot magazine). Canvas M1/M3 olive drab sling is attached.
Condition:
Good condition. This example shows signs of use with high spot wear, flaking, and scratches consistent with military use. All 3 barrels (two .45, one 9mm) appear bright.
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