1/24 Lewis MK.I Standard Type

The Lewis Gun Mk.I is one of the most recognizable and influential light machine guns of the First World War. Designed by U.S. Army officer Isaac Newton Lewis and manufactured in Britain, the Lewis Mk.I became the standard-issue automatic weapon for British and Commonwealth forces, combining portability, high firepower, and reliability in a lightweight package.

Chambered in .303 British, the Lewis Mk.I featured a top-mounted pan magazine, capable of holding 47 or 97 rounds, and a distinctive cylindrical aluminum cooling shroud around its barrel. This shroud, combined with the gun’s air-cooling system, allowed sustained fire without overheating, a critical advantage in trench and mobile warfare. The weapon could be fired from the shoulder, bipod, or tripod, giving it versatility across infantry, aircraft, and naval applications.

The Lewis Mk.I saw extensive service in 1915–1918, arming infantry, aircraft gunners, and even mounted on armored cars and naval vessels. Its relatively light weight (approx. 28 pounds / 12.7 kg) and dependable operation made it a favorite among troops, while its innovative design influenced many subsequent light machine guns worldwide.