This original copy of The Complete Lewis Gunner, published by Gale & Polden Ltd., is a classic interwar–early WW2 training booklet designed to give new gunners a clear, practical introduction to the Lewis Gun. Privately printed “by an Instructor”, these compact guides were widely purchased by soldiers, Home Guard volunteers, and units still equipped with the Lewis during the early war period.

Produced in Gale & Polden’s distinctive pulp-style format, the booklet covers all essential aspects of the gun’s operation, including stripping, firing positions, stoppages, cleaning, and notes on the .300 (American) Lewis Gun—a feature relevant to units using both British and U.S. pattern weapons. Surviving examples are increasingly hard to find, as the thin wartime paper was easily damaged, and most were heavily used in training.

This example retains its original illustrated cover, showing honest age toning and expected edge wear but remaining complete and structurally sound. An appealing and authentic piece of Lewis Gun history, ideal for collectors of early WW2 small-arms manuals, Home Guard training material, and Gale & Polden publications. There’s also an included folded sheet that displays the barrel band and gas chamber. However, we believe this sheet to have originally been attached (see photos).

Overall the condition of this small book is very good, and it’s slightly rarer than the usually easier to find Bren gun version. The cover is intact and included with only a small fold (see photos) on the bottom right corner. Full disclosure, we are not sure if the page at the back is complete or not (see photos) it appears to display the magazine.