This is a original Khaki Canvas Scabbard / Carry Case for the Thompson Submachine Gun.  This would have been for the M1921.  It could fit the M1928/1928A with removal of stock and compensator.  These cases were never issued by the U.S. Army during WWII though there are some records to indicate a small quantity were requisitioned.  The pattern of the case places this somewhere in the 1920s to early 1930s.

In evaluating this piece there was some concern that it might be a reproduction.  This does not look like any of the reproductions currently on the market.  The canvas is very heavy and stiff.  It has all the features of the original early patterns.  The case is marked “Rusco” on inside flap and on the sling strap.  Rusco did not always mark their products and there are other unmarked examples known.

The back has the brass snap fastener clearly marked “CARR FAST.CO. BOSTON”.  The Carr Fastener company of Boston started making snap fasteners for automobiles in the early 1920s and expanded their product lines up to WWII.  During the war, like so many companies, they produced supplies for military equipment.

Lastly, the stitching is done in a pale green thread which matches to known examples of the period.  The combined evidence of the “Rusco” marking, the “CARR” fastener, and the green threading lead us to conclude that this is an original Rusco and not a reproduction.  Further discussion of this topic can be found on many of the collector and Thompson forums.

This scabbard / case is in excellent condition.  There are only a few small spots of the most minor wear.  All the stitching is solid and there are only a few small pulled/loose threads.  The metal snaps and sling buckle have only the slightest hint of wear.  Overall it appears as if this has never or only very rarely been used.  It was obviously well stored all these years.

It is extremely rare to find one of these in this condition.  This would make an excellent addition to any Thompson collection.