October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Manufactured by Darne in France this gun is marked with Darne manufacturer’s markings on both cover plate and receiver itself, this Lewis machine gun would have been a top wing gun on an aircraft as there has never been a front sight fitted to this gun, nor graduations on the rear sight window. No radiator nor shroud ever fitted. Registered serial number in the NFA registry is “A293” which is at forward right top corner of receiver and at bottom right corner of forward portion of gun. Factory serial number 2934 on receiver and on forward portion of gun. Bolt has a non-matching number visible through ejection port. Other parts are non-matching, however are from same factory and of the same vintage. No pan magazine is included with this gun but .303 pans are readily available. This gun, like most others encountered has been renumbered from its original 5-digit number to an “A” prefix number which is the registration number with BATF. Marked on receiver “DARNE” / “REVISE” and on top cover rear of receiver also with factory Darne marking and indicating model of 1916. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine original finish with small scattered areas of brown patina and thinning to gray patina at high edges. Make no mistake that this remains an extremely attractive piece. Mechanics are fine. Bore is fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face is fine. Grip panels and rear handle are very good with some dings, bruises and handling marks. A very attractive and exceptionally rare variation of the Lewis machine gun suitable for the most discerning collector. 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 2019-10-169