WWI era Mother of Pearl Lewis Gun pin
c. 1916World War One era trench art pin made from carved mother of pearl, depicting a Lewis light machine gun. The distinctive round magazine is clearly seen on top.
A metal pin is bent around the circular barrel of the gun, extending downwards. The pin would be pushed through a garment for attachment.
The Lewis light machine gun is easily recognized by the distinctive circular, flat, pan-shaped magazine mounted on top of the weapon. This magazine, typically holding 47 or 97 rounds, is a key characteristic that sets the Lewis gun apart from other machine guns of its time. The magazine's design, where cartridges are arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is also a defining feature of the Lewis gun.
It was first used in combat by the Belgian Army in the summer of 1914, during the early months of World War One. While the design originated in the United States, it was initially rejected by the US military. The gun was then produced in Belgium and later in Britain, with the British Expeditionary Force receiving the improved version of the weapon in 1916.
It is therefore likely that this pin dates to 1916 or later.
Details
Details
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