Original British WWI Lewis Gun Gas Cylinder Cleaning Rod Brown Bess Muskets Original Item: In another military

Original Item: In another military antiques coup

First introduced in the early 19th century

Now the very dark green exterior of the helmet has been hand painted with  a big hand painted white shield in the middle of which is a large "rampant" bear surmounted by a Crown/Coronet above the shield representing the ancient  Arms of the City of Berlin

400 of these were manufactured in Germany for shipment to their ally Turkey

Original British WWI Lewis Gun Gas Cylinder Cleaning Rod Brown Bess Muskets Original Item: In another militaryOriginal Item: The British Lewis Gun was issued with three items specifically for cleaning the gas cylinder: Rod, cleaning, cylinder; Brush, wire, rod,cleaning,cylinder; Mop, rod, cleaning, cylinder. (See William M. Easterly, The Belgian Rattlesnake, 1998, pages 439, 441.) These are listed as components of the "Chest, Vickers or Lewis . 303 inch Gun, Mk. II." Although listed in the book, none of the parts is illustrated. These items are so RARE that