A Mechanization of Freedom

John T. Thompson introduced the Thompson submachine gun in 1919. It was developed to aid trench warfare in World War I, however, prototypes of the gun did not even reach Europe before the War ended. Its producers were left to find new ways to market this weapon within the United States, initially appealing to both citizens and law enforcement. The reputation of the weapon’s versatility was caught on in the 1920’s by prohibition-era gangsters. The gun is an iconic image, mostly associated with the roaring twenties and popularized with the help of Hollywood.

The ability of this weapon to traverse the range of ownership is alluded to in the butterfly motif. The butterfly transitions through its own life from egg to larva, from pupa to adult. Similarly, the Thompson originally was destined to aid in war, eventually finding use among the police and citizens and finally ending up in the hands of criminals. The butterfly is also a symbol of freedom. The majority of the motif is located on the back stock and can only be seen from the side and behind the weapon. If one was to stand at the end of the barrel, the motif would not be visible.

The pattern of the fragmented glass transitions from organic curved lines to angular shapes echoing a mechanical progression. The midnight blue glass also fades to a deep red as it reaches the tip of the barrel. This stained glass sculpture is purposely unlit. The Thompson’s popularity was short-lived; its place in history set. The weapon’s inability to transcend its time is made apparent through the lack of emanating light. This one sculpture set amongst several other stained glass weapons may appear dull, yet it holds its own beauty. The Thompson in a contemporary setting is collector’s item, one that is cherished and kept carefully preserved.