This is an example of a desirable WWI Lewis Machine gun that was manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) Manufacturing Company, and has since been deactivated. 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 produced by BSA company during WWI and was effectively used by both the British, Belgium, 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 "86941/E" and were then arsenal lined out and renumbered "A770". Many of the various parts have their original British proof and acceptance marks. It is fitted with an original WWI front bipod that has the brass mounting bracket around the barrel jacket with steel bipod legs all painted a WWI type olive green color. It is complete with one circular magazine. This rare machine gun still retains a dulled, blued finish with dark walnut stock and pistol grips. As noted this weapon has been deactivated by welding a steel plug in the chamber area of the barrel, and it is missing the recoil and firing pin springs. Prior to WWI, these were considered the premier, air cooled, light machine gun and were the first machine gun to actually be mounted and successfully used on an airplane in flight in 1912.

Very good as deactivated with 50% of the dark, dull Arsenal refurbished blued finish with even wear and thinning overall on the metal surfaces. The buttstock and pistol grip are both in good condition showing their original finish with numerous dents, dings and pressure dents overall from actual use. This is a very rare and historic Class III/NFA light machine gun that belongs in an advanced military collection. 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 (BATF&E) that has been classified as a "Curios 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 to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.