Details on Lewis Gun Ammo Crate

[Sean Dunnage]

Gentlemen;

I'm looking for any information on what kind of ammo crate the drum magazines would come in or be stored in in the field. I've made a resin master for Resicast of a Lewis gun using the proper dimensions but now need to make a crate for the ammo. The gun will be used on a LRDG conversion set in 1/35 hence my need. Pictures and dimensions would be great. I did a search here but couldn't find anything.

My gun after casting by Resicast.


Thanks
Sean

[Lynn Eades]

The one that I'm aware of, is a round canvas bag. I think (with out finding it) that it held two mags,one on top of the other. It had a canvas carry handle accross the top

[Sean Dunnage]

Lynn;

Thanks for that info. I did a quick search and found them. Interesting for sure. I'm really interested to find out though if there is some kind of crate for these things.

I can't see the LRDG groups having a dozen or so canvas bags laying around as space was so limited. On e crate with all the mags makes more sence to me. Perhaps they just used one crate that hada different original purpose. I guess the search cotinues.

Sean

[Rob Beale]

The Lewis ammo box holds either 4 or 6 magazines in two stacks. It has a leather handle on the front, and a squeeze type clip to hold the lid down. There is a divider in the middle, but that has been removed from mine.
There are remnants of felt padding too.

I have seen another one with the stencilling along the front

I'll post some photos, and get the measurements

Rob

[Sean Dunnage]

That would be the cats meow. I really would like to get this project finished.

Sean

[Lynn Eades]

Found these pictures on the British site

[jeff davis]

I have a couple of Lewis gun metal ammo trays I can forward some pics when i find them. I also have the ww1 canvas case
Jeff davis

[jeff davis]

Here are some pics
The canvas Carrier is 9 inch in diameter and 5 inch high
The Box is L18.25xW9.25x 6.25 high

[Rob Beale]

I have measured mine up and the Lid is 19.25" x 10.25" with the edge rolled around a 1/8" dia wire. There are two hinges which are on the inside. There is felt around the inside edge of the lid to seal against the box.

The base is 18.75" x 9.25", and the sides are 6.5" with out the lid.
The upper sdges of the box are rolled around a 1/8" dia wire too.
The front, base and back are a single piece, and the ends are joined to them by a double folded joint on the outside, so the ends are slightly recessed.

There was a central partition rivetted to the front, back and base, and no sign of felt in the box.

The carry handle is a 1" x 1/8" leather strap 13" long. It has a 3/4" piece rivetted to each end to keep it in place in the brackets, and the ends of the strap are 11.5" apart when the strap is pulled out.

The stencilling is over painted but reads:
BOX CARRIER MAGAZINE LEWIS 303 MG MKI

I will post some close up detail pics tomorrow.

cheers
Rob

[Rob Beale]

I rubbed down the stencilling a bit too.
Its a bit different to Jeff's one, as in my previous post.

Hope these are of use

Rob

[jeff davis]

The 2 Boxes I have are close 1 has a lether strap other has a web strap
there is a divider in the center of 1 and 1has a lid that is flat while the other it has a slight bend forming a diamond shape to the centre.
jeff