Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
JAPANESE TYPE 92 AIRCRAFT DEWAT LEWIS MG
03-1631
Cal. 7.7mm Rimmed
S# 2480
Bbl. 26″. Mfg. 1943. Open bolt, gas operated machine gun, fed from a 97 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 utilizes a leather wrapped single spade grip positioned at the rear of the receiver, which doubles as an oil reserve, hosting a long brush beneath 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 sights are unique to the aircraft guns, consisting of a rear mounted circle, measuring 3″ in diameter w/ a smaller circle in the center & wires running through the center, much like a traditional crosshair. The front sight is a tall post. Unlike many traditional Lewis guns, there is no large, round barrel jacket, or radiator on the Aircraft variant, but just an exposed barrel & gas tube, much like a typical Japanese machine gun. The finish on all exposed metal parts is a 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. Some receiver markings, below top mounted drum translated to; “AIKAWA NAVY ENGINEERING EDITION / TYPE92 7.7 / SWOWA YEAR 18”. Other markings include an anchor below serial number. MAGS: 1 steel 97 rd. pan. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIED: Small pedestal mounted on 6″x6″ board for display.
STATUS: CURIO CLASS III
