Developed around 1910/1911, the Lewis Gun was one of the lightest machine guns of the era, weighing in at about 28 pounds. The inventor, Lieutenant Colonel Issac Newton Lewis, established a firm in Belgium to license the design to arms manufacturers, finding interested parties at Birmingham Small Arms of Britain and Savage Arms of the United States, and both countries would take the Lewis into combat during World War One as infantry machine guns and in aircraft and vehicle mountings. The Lewis would continue to serve with the British through the end of World War II, while also being used in later low-intensity conflicts. Mounted around the barrel is the signature cooling assembly, a series of aluminum fins running the length of the barrel and a steel shroud extending beyond, which also serves as the mounting point for a sling swivel, blade front sight, folding bipod and a swiveling carry handle with British nomenclature. The top of the receiver has the Armes Automatiques Lewis and Birmingham Small Arms address on either side of the folding ladder rear sight, with the model nomenclature just behind the magazine slot, British proofs, some restruck serial numbers on the assorted parts, and a pair of smooth pistol grips. With a straight steel reinforced buttstock, which is fitted with a sling swivel, integral oiler and a flat buttplate. 6 magazines included with lot.

Fine as assembled, with 60% of the blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered spotting and mild handling marks overall. The grips show some dings, and the stock shows a few thin cracks and repaired chips. Mechanically very good. NOTE: This item is registered with the BATFE as a machine gun, and it is the sole obligation of the bidder to understand and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.