1013 JAPANESE TYPE 92 GROUND LEWIS DEWAT MACHINE

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 03 @ 10:23UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 4,000.00 USD
Estimated at 8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
GUN. Cal. 7.7 Rimmed. S# 5213. Bbl. 28". Open bolt, gas operated machine gun, fed from a 47 round pan magazine. First adopted by the Japanese in 1932 & utilized in both the Army & Navy. Originally introduced as the Type 91 Navy Aircraft Machine Gun. When production began in 1932, there was a high percentage of parts that were actually interchangeable w/ the British Lewis Gun. The most obvious difference between the Japanese & the British Lewis is the left side position of the charging handle on the Japanese gun, where it was positioned on the right by the British. It has a 10" wood & steel butt stock w/ built in oil reserve, hosting a long brush below the threaded steel cover. The trigger mechanism is located forward of a single pistol grip located below the action, inside an elongated trigger guard. The rear sight is a long, folding peep sight, adjustable to 1700 meters. The front sight is a protected blade. Very much like the original Lewis gun, it has a 26.5" barrel jacket measuring almost 3.5" in diameter. Folding, extendable bipod mounted at front of barrel jacket, below front sights. Leather sling mounted front & rear. The finish on all exposed metal surfaces is dark black mixed w/ traditional bluing. Several Japanese markings on barrel shroud & receiver, highlighted in white and easy to read, not so easy to translate. Small anchor below serial number on top, front of receiver. MAGS: 1 steel 47 rd. pan magazine. CONDITION: exterior finish is complete & consistent w/ remarkably heavy coverage. Some scattered light spots & gentle patina, but in amazing condition for a firearm of this era. Wood furniture has typical impressions & appears to remain in excellent structural condition. Bipod moved fluidly. This gun has been dewatted by welding a steel slug inside the barrel, and it appears they were gentle to surrounding areas. Fire control mechanism appears to function correctly when cycled by hand. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT DEWAT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. (03-1633/JZ). CURIO CLASS III. $8,000-12,000.