British Lewis Gun: Extension, Cocking Handle

Original Item: This is the rarest Lewis Light Machine Gun accessory. It is a wooden handle with a steel fitting that is inserted into the hollow of the cocking handle to give more leverage with jammed cartridges.  See The Belgian Rattlesnake by William M. Easterly, pages 483 and 489.  Originally introduced by the Americans for the cal. .30 Lewis, it was soon adapted by Great Britain for the .303-in. Lewis also. These handles have unavailable on the collector?s market until now.  IMA has found a few of them in a cache of old Lewis parts.