Product Information
This a very rare early production First World War manufactured British Lewis gun. The original serial number on the receiver of 1331 dates to 1914 production. This number was "struck" though by the British armorer when it returned from action requiring reworking. A new number was then stamped above it (14196) before it was sent back into action. This new number is also very low and corresponds with an early production Lewis gun that was reworked. There is also another number 23744 with 1916 acceptance stamps. The removal of the barrel jacket is most commonly associated with Home Guard issued Lewis guns, although they were also being removed during WW I. It was considered ineffective and an unnecessary part of the design making the gun heavier and more bulky. The gun still functioned perfectly without it.
During WWI the Germans nicknamed the Lewis "the Belgium rattlesnake". It was considered by many to be one on the finest light machine guns available.
The Lewis was adopted as the standard issue British Army machine gun in 1914 with around 60,000 being made during WWI. Initial production was low and in 1915 each British battalion on the Western Front had just four Lewis Guns, by 1917 each infantry section boasted its own Lewis gunner, with battalions now deploying 46 Lewis Guns.
During WWII the British Government mobilized its Home Guard units to defend itself against any impending German attack, arming them with stocks of reworked WWI Lewis guns. They were used in a variety of roles, including anti-aircraft, vehicle mounted and infantry ground weapons. This example has its regimental brass disc in tact with the initials "J.N. 2" stamped on it. This most likely refers to the Home Guard unit it was issued to. A great piece of history. It is deactivated with a working action and can be cocked, stripped an dry fired.
To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.
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