An evolution of the Maxim gun, the Vickers was a state of the art heavy machine gun during World War I, with the water cooling mechanism permitting a volume of sustained fire that can't be matched by air-cooled single barrel weapons. Properly positioned and supplied, the Vickers could inflict hideous damage to an exposed or charging enemy, and a large number of casualties in World War I were due to these weapons. While later strategic developments would favor lighter, air-cooled guns as an organic part of the infantry unit, the Vickers still performed well during the inter-war period, being very well suited to fixed position defense and stationary operations. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a muzzle booster device fitted to the "FTR/MA/54" marked steel water jacket, "303" marked sight staff and feed tray, and a Mark II sight bracket on the left side. British "broad arrow" proofs on multiple components, and a thumb trigger with "butterfly" safety. The right sideplate and the front trunnion are numbered "A1072", with the sideplate showing no proofs or maker's marks. A set of smooth spade grips are installed, with the tension mechanism on the left side of the receiver. Included with the lot is a green painted field mount tripod, canvas ammo belt, two tension springs, an extra 303 caliber barrel, a reprint of a 1917-era Vickers manual, and a copy of the July 1998 (Volume 1 Number 10) of Small Arms Review, which features an article on basic Vickers maintenance and handling.