This is an example of a desirable WWI Lewis Machine gun that was manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) Manufacturing Company. Prior to WWI these were considered the premier, air cooled, light machine gun and was the first machine gun to actually be mounted and successfully used on an airplane in flight in 1912. The design was originally developed in 1910/11 by the Automatic Arms Company of Buffalo NY., for commercial sales by Lt.Col. Lewis using the gas-operated, bolt turning design of Samuel McLean. Later Lt. Col. Lewis added some of his own improved designs changes, namely the jacketed cooling fin assembly on the barrel. This version was eventually produced in Belgium and the BSA company during WWI where it was used effectively by several countries to include the British, and U.S. AEF. The top of the receiver is marked in two blocks "Manufactured by/The Birmingham Small Arms Co. LLC./ENGLAND/for" and "Armes Automatiques Lewis/BELGIQUE". In front of the rear sight it is marked "LEWIS AUTO GUN./MOD. 1914 PAT.". It has a fixed front sight with a large tangent rear sight graduated from "1-19" (100-1900 meters). The rear end of the barrel housing, the top of the barrel jacket, rear receiver and top cover were all numbered "A 11306" that were arsenal lined out and renumbered "A244", with the bolt, front and rear sight assembly numbered to a different gun. Many of the various parts have their original British proof and acceptance marks. It is fitted with an original British marked front bipod and is complete with three circular magazines, with each holding 47 rounds. This rare machine gun still has a blued finish with a dark walnut stock and pistol grips. This is a very rare and historic light machine gun that certainly belongs in a high end collection.

Very good as refinished with 90% of the possibly arsenal refurbished blued finish overall with edge and high spot wear. The front edges of the receiver have a slight blue finish discoloration, that shows areas of repair. The buttstock is in fair condition showing a very dark color overall with numerous handling marks and gouges from years of use. As noted this weapon has several matching/renumbered parts. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) that has been classified as a "Curio or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Before bidding on this item, it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.