Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The M1918 Aircraft Lewis Gun, manufactured by Savage Arms, represented a specialized adaptation of the Lewis design for aviation use. This .30-06 variant featured significant modifications from the ground version to optimize it for aerial combat. Key changes included removing the distinctive cooling shroud (retaining only a small cylinder to protect the gas piston), adding a muzzle brake to increase the rate of fire to 800-850 rounds per minute, and fitting Norman wind vane sights for improved aerial accuracy. The gun used a single rear spade grip and 97-round pan magazines. Savage produced 32,231 aircraft Lewis guns through war’s end, with the M1918 being the final variant. While the Lewis’s open-bolt design made it unsuitable for synchronization with propellers, it proved ideal for flexible mounting positions on aircraft. Its effectiveness in this role led to widespread adoption, particularly by Allied forces, throughout both World Wars. The weapon’s relatively lightweight and air-cooling capability made it particularly well-suited for aerial combat.
“Savage Indian Head logo above “30 US GOVT” marking at top cover, with removed Navy inventory number at right side of receiver. Receiver and top cover were re-enameled, apparently upon this guns release from service. Receiver markings are exceptionally clear. Barrel is in-the-white, as is the muzzle. Receiver number is the only visible serial number. In addition to the front and rear aircraft sights, there is also a highly desirable D4 gravity type front sight as well as a clamp-on training aid sight. Other accessories include 1 47 round magazine, spare top cover, spare rear sight ladder, 2 pan magazine retaining clasps, 2 charging handles, 4 firing pins, 3 bolt shanks, 1 gas nut, 3 extractors, 1 .30-06 Springfield bolt, 1 oil tube, 2 mainsprings assemblies, 5 stop pawls, 5 retaining pins, 1 rear end op rod assembly, 1 original Savage “LEWIS MACHIE GUN/ (AIRPLANE TYPE)” manual, and 1 “SAVAGE ARMS COMPANY” Lewis machine gun manual. “
Lot #1001: (N) OUTSTANDING SAVAGE ARMS COMPANY LEWIS MODEL 1918 AIRCRAFT MACHINE GUN IN .30-06 WITH NUMEROUS SPARE PARTS (CURIO & RELIC). (n.d.). Morphy Auctions. photograph. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_n__outstanding_savage_arms_company_lewis_model_19-lot504383.aspx.
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