Developed by Issac Newton Lewis, a U.S. Army officer, the Lewis Gun was one of the lightest machine gun offerings of it's era, coming in at 28 pounds with the distinctive barrel cooling assembly included. Unable to sell the gun to his superiors, Lewis resigned and took off for Belgium, where he made a tidy profit licensing the design to Birmingham Small Arms and Savage Arms. Used in many wars by many operators, a number of Lewis Guns had their cooling assemblies taken off to further lighten the weapon, as can be seen with this example, with both the barrel shroud and cooling fins absent. A replacement post front sight has been installed on the gas block and a wood and metal pistol grip on the rear shroud framework. The original folding ladder rear sight is present, with the Savage Arms nomenclature on top of the frame and the serial number, model marking and "A.B.F." inspection initials under the magazine. A pair of smooth pistol grips and a fixed buttstock are also present, the latter having 19 patent marks stamped on the buttplate. Two extra drum magazines are included.

Fair as end-user modified and deactivated, with a mixed brown and gray patina overall, some traces of the original blue finish, and scattered spotting. The front pistol grip is cracked and scuffed, with some light pressure dents on the rear grip and the buttstock. A steel bar has been welded into the bore at the breech, the barrel assembly welded to the receiver, and a number of working parts damaged or removed during the deactivation. NOTE: This item is classified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives as an Unserviceable Machine Gun or Deactivated War Trophy (DEWAT) in accordance with the terms of the National Firearms Act (NFA). Before bidding on this item it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to comply and understand with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence. Additionally, no assurances are offered that the weapon can be restored.