Video: Vintage Gun Could Provide More Modern Variety for Clay Deputies

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) — For 69 years, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department has had in it’s possession an old .45-caliber Thompson submachine gun.

Since its invention in 1918, the gun has been used by criminals and law enforcement agents alike, especially during the years of prohibition in the 1920s. But certainly it’s not the type of weapon for every day use by the 23 deputies making up the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.

“No, we can’t use this gun. So basically even though it’s got a lot of history to it, it would better benefit us as a department to sell this gun to a licensed gun dealer or gun collector. Somebody that wants a piece of history,” said Sheriff Eddie Scott.

Think of the days of Elliot Ness, Al Capone, Frank Nitty. The weapon given to the department by the government is the very type that was used back then.

Deputies are responsible for buying their own weapon, like the Beretta hand guns at a price of between $800 and $1,000 each. But the department is taking bids for the submachine gun made in 1936, and the proceeds will allow the department to buy the guns and also outfit their special response team.

“You know it went through a time through World War II. So whether it’s actually seen action or not we can’t say. That’s something we would like to know, but unfortunately I hadn’t been able to find out any of that type of history on it,” said Scott.

“This thing will tear your arm off if it hit you. And they know that and when they hear this thing firing and they hear the rhythm of fire, they know they are going to get killed,” said Carl Cartledge, a World War II veteran.

The kind of noise from the Tommy Gun, also called a Chicago Typewriter or Trench Sweeper, is not the weapon of choice for the Golden Triangle department. And by selling it they hope to cash in on the right kind of tools to help keep citizens safe.

“A, we are all trained on the same weapon. B, we have the same ammunition and it’s a liability and a training issue. So I’m hoping the proceeds from this will allow me to be able to do that,” said Scott.

Bidding for the Thompson submachine gun continues until January 8 at 9 that morning. To properly outfit that department with new weapons is costing about $18,000.