From the Columbus Dispatch.
Guernsey County Sheriff Mike McCauley is proposing to sell three antique Thompson submachine guns, commonly known as Tommy guns, to raise money for new vehicles during the economic downturn. The fully functioning weapons were made famous by Hollywood depictions of 1920s gangsters who were known to use them during the prohibition era.

McCauley recently approached the county about authorizing the sale of the guns, said Commissioner Steve Allen. He said McCauley's budget was cut from $2.7 million to $2.5 million this year, and there's no room for the purchase of new vehicles.

The majority of the sheriff's cruisers have more than 100,000 miles on them, Allen said.

He said the commissioners approved the sale, but McCauley is still researching the weapons' potential value. Allen said he's heard the guns could be worth as much as $50,000 each to collectors.

"I think the sheriff is being practical," Allen said. "Right now they're just hanging on the wall, and I think he sees they have a value that could be better spent in the service to his constituents."

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OGCA Member.