This is a solid representative example of a Portuguese Vickers machine gun as assembled by the "VSM" Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. In many ways an evolution of the Maxim gun, the Vickers was a state of the art heavy machine gun, 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 One 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. The components on this example show mixed markings, with the front receiver cover and the screw-adjustable rear sight bearing Portuguese markings and designated for 7.7mm, and the loading hardware and bolt being VSM marked for .303 British. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a large round steel flash hider installed over the recoil booster, a blue finished water jacket, and a pair of hardwood spade grips with integral storage compartments. Multiple components bear the markings for Fabrica de Braco de Prata, an armaments outfit owned by the government of Portugal. Included with the machine gun is a field mount, brass and steel construction with a green paint finish and a swiveling cradle with elevation adjustments.