Two more of the Model C, 1919s were converted into Model "F" (for "Freaks") these were serial numbers 8 and 9. These prototypes were created to find out just how few parts were necessary to create a submachine gun. Serial Number 8 used only 11 parts and Serial Number 9 used 17 parts. These Model of 1919s were advertised very heavily by Auto-Ordnance, but were never developed beyond the prototype stage.

CASE NUMBER 2 - The Engineers of Auto-Ordnance discovered after several prolonged firing tests of serial numbers 2 and 3 that the one piece actuator/firing pin design proved to be weak. It was decided to separate the two functions into three parts. Two Model of 1919s were built and tested with the new design, serial numbers 10 and 11. These were the first Thompsons built with the actuator handle symmetrical, or centered in the receiver. Serial Number 10 was subjected to a test firing of 20,000 rounds with the new design and functioned flawlessly.

MODEL OF 1919, SERIAL NUMBER 11 - This Annihilator III, Model E, was retained in the Auto-Ordnance Engineering Department and used as a test bed to demonstrate various designs. This Thompson was originally built with no sights, no buttstock provisions, and no semiautomatic selector lever. These changes all occurred later in the evolution of the designs of the Thompson Model of 1919. Serial Number 11 was used and modified for each of these changes first before other 1919s were constructed, or the Colt’s production began. Rate of fire for this Thompson is about 1000 rounds per minute.

CASE NUMBER THREE - Following the success of serial numbers 10 and 11, several more Model E 1919s were created for publicity and demonstrations.

MODEL OF 1919, SERIAL NUMBER 17 - This Annihilator III, Model E, was originally created as a full automatic tiring Thompson, as shown in the photos. This gun was used for various advertisement photos and articles. It was later modified for the semiautomatic mode, buttstock attachment, and front and rear sights. Following the modifications it was later used to equip a salesman with the latest Thompson and equipment kit.

The salesman’s kit included the Type "C" and Type "L" prototype drums, and prototype Type "XX" 20 rd. box magazines, and all available canvas equipment (five cell single flap pouch, Model 1919 gun case, L drum and C drum pouches all made by Mills Co.).

In the late 1 920s this kit was sent with an Auto-Ordnance Salesman to Warsaw, Poland. Poland was then in the middle of a revolution with both the Poles and Ukrainians fighting the Bolshevik Army. The salesman brought the Thompson to Poland in the hopes of selling some to the Poles and Ukrainians. In August, 1920, when Bolshevik forces threatened to overrun Warsaw, the salesman panicked, and decided to return to the U.S. He gave his sales kit to Col. Elbert E. Farman, Jr., then U.S. Military Attaché to Poland.

The firearm itself is in remarkable condition considering its age and travels. This Thompson retains about 80% of its’ original bluing. This bluing was not a hard finish bluing like that on the Colt’s era guns. So it is even more remarkable that any remains. This Thompson is the only known Model of 1919 that has a buttstock. While Serial Number 11 is equipped for a stock attachment, no stock exists. The profile of the buttstock is elegant and very fragile, as noted by the repaired crack near the stock release button. Examination of the trigger housing indicates that the stock attachment was an afterthought, as a "No. 17" is visible on the frame through the attachment hardware.

CASE NUMBER FOUR - MODEL OF 1919, SERIAL NUMBER 26?? - The final submodel group of l9l9s were the "Model G" Annihilator IIIs. These were the first l9l9s to incorporate a round bolt face, centered actuator, and a redesigned firing pin system, providing improved reliability. After Auto-Ordnance personnel were satisfied with the firearm’s looks and function, a production run of Thompsons was bid out to two different firms (Colt’s and Savage). Colt’s was awarded the initial production contract for 15,000 Thompsons. Contract language states that:

"The guns and magazines shall be manufactured by the Company (Colt’s) the same as Sample Gun No. 26 and its accompanying magazine, and within tolerances to be mutually agreed upon which will be shown on blue prints to be supplied by the Corporation (Auto Ordnance)."