I have one in 10mm
It was originally blue steel and due to holster wear, I painted it rather than re-bluing it..
They have their supporters and detractors and are not generally collector items...The fit/finish is not up to standards when compared to Colt products, but mine shoots pretty good, within limitations...If I were to spend some money, I could improve several aspects of it...
I got mine at a "Sheriff's Sale" auction many years ago at a 'cheap' price due to the fact that not too many people were familiar with the caliber and it's potential...Mine is one of those weapons that I may keep hidden in the car for emergencies, but if it were stolen, the thief would probably eventually throw it away after they shot it empty due to the cost of ammo and lack of knowledge...
The Thompson/Auto Ordnance company gained their original fame in the production of the Thompson Machine Gun (Tommy Gun) and grew as a result of the military effort...The restriction of the sub machine gun in the hands of the civilian market (BATF ruling) prior to WW2 limited their production and the company was taken over by one of the bigger conglomerates....
Most of the 1911s were a result of attempting to maintain a viable presence in the civilian market following that restriction...
Generally, in .45acp, you can pick one up for $300 (+/-), unless you are trying to deal with a 'collector' and it's in "new" condition...
