GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
HIGHLY SOUGHT BSA LEWIS MODEL 1914 MACHINE GUN WITH CRATE AND ACCESSORIES. (C&R).BSALEWISA310303W/ACCESSMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. .303 British. Bbl length 26 1/2". This exceedingly fine Lewis Ground Gun includes ten 47-round magazines loaded with original corrosive ammunition and also includes a specially fitted transit chest with spare bbl, piston, butt stock (less hardware), bolt, 2 pan loading tools, bi-pod, shroud sling ring and cleaning rod. Also included is Small Arms Identification Series manual on Lewis Machine Gun by Ian Skennerton. There is also a protective leather muzzle cover in the transit chest.Typical markings on receiver indicating manufacture by Birmingham Smalls Arms Co. with British Broad Arrow proofs at various locations. Original SN's struck through as typically found. External numbers not matching as restruck, with hand grip No. 14303. Oiler present in butt stock. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This item is fully transferable on a form 3 or 4 as Curio & Relic eligible. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very good, with over 80% original finish remaining, thinning to a gray patina, particularly at the high points. Carrying handle retains its original brass retention chains and leather covering. Wood of butt stock and carrying handle has some light handling marks with an expert repair to the rear of the oiler at both the heel and the toe. Screws show evidence of turning. Pistol grip wood has a couple of noticeable gouges on right side, which do not affect serviceability. Mechanics are fine. Bores of both bbls fine, shiny and bright. Pan magazines are good to very good original finish. Spare stock has some light chips and handling marks but otherwise very good. Spare bolt extremely fine. Transit chest with contemporary green and orange paint, and stenciled. The Lewis gun is widely regarded as the most desirable of the WWI "Light" machine gun designs, which soldiers of both sides preferred when they could get them. This specimen is quite attractive, with a very smooth action and should be of interest to the WWI machine gun collector. 52516-2 jwk95 (12,000-18,000)