May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Beautiful condition Birmingham Small Arms Company manufactured Lewis model 1914 machine gun with seven original pan magazines, four 1918 vintage original canvas carriers, two spare barrels and original metal magazine carrying box with pan magazine loading/unloading tool. Anti-aircraft rear sight also included as seen in photos. The Lewis machine gun was the most preferred by either side during World War I. The Germans gladly employed them whenever they could capture enough ammunition to make the use of them worthwhile. They were lighter than the Maxim, and one did not need to worry about ammunition belts getting wet and unwieldy. This gun was part of a shipment imported from Ireland in 1959 by Interarm Co. and like most of the others encountered of this model has been renumbered from its original 5-digit number to an “A” prefix number which is the registration number with BATF. The original five digit number matches on the shroud, receiver, and receiver action cover assemblies. Bolt does not match. Includes clamp-on airplane front sight and clamp-on bipod. Buttstock assembly is from a Savage manufactured Lewis gun with patent dates on the buttplate. Typical markings on receiver action cover “Manufactured by” / “The Birmingham Small Arms Co LTD” / “ENGLAND” / “for” / “Armes Automatiques Lewis” / “BELGIUM” just forward of rear sight marked “Lewis Auto Gun” / “Mod.1914-Pat.” This gun also displays British proof marks on several parts with broad arrow. The cataloger wishes to express gratitude to Kenneth Smith Christmas for his research into the history of the shipment of these “A” prefix Lewis guns into the United States. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine original finish with some thinning to gray patina, more pronounced at the high edges with some areas of brown patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright with good clean lands and grooves. Spare barrels exteriors have scattered brown patina with good bores. Bolt face is fine. Buttstock wood is extremely fine with some little dings, bruises, and light handling marks. Grip panels are very good with some dings, bruises and handling marks. Pan magazines are all 47 round British marked and about fine, with one having more finish loss and brown patina than the others. Canvas pouches all have 1918 vintage manufacturer’s ink marks inside one side flap. Metal magazine carrying box has good serviceable leather carrying handle, functional cover latch and vintage grime over original paint. One of the best Lewis gun ensembles to become available to the collectors market in over a decade! One needs only some .303 ammunition to have a great time at the range with this gun! From the estate of noted cartridge collector and World War II veteran William H. Woodin. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 or 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2020-05-057
Accessories
7 Magazines, Magazine Box, 4 Magazine Pouches, 2 Extra Barrels, AA Sight