Originally developed prior to World War I, the Lewis 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 I as infantry machine guns and in aircraft and vehicle mountings. The distinctive aluminum cooling fins and barrel shroud are present on this standard infantry Lewis. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. Includes a detachable anti-aircraft sight and bipod both mounted on the barrel shroud.

Very good as deactivated, retains 50% plus original blue finish, strongest on the receiver and front of the barrel shroud with smooth gray on the balance and a few small patches of light pitting. Wood is good as re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches and dents, a few chips, and repaired and spliced sections at the top and bottom ahead of the buttplate. The barrel has been welded to the receiver, the chamber welded closed obstructing the forward movement of the bolt, otherwise the complete bolt and gas piston assembly function mechanically fine. Included tripod is good, retaining 30% of its original green paint concentrated on one leg with some chips and smooth brown patina on the balance. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It 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.