December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Very fine presenting specimen of the French Chauchat Model 1915 machine gun in 8mm French Lebel. Marked “C.S.R.G.” (Chauchat, Sutter, Ribeyrolles and Gladiator). Numbers matching between upper and lower receivers, and one original 8mm Lebel magazine is included with this lot. The chamber is welded shut and the bolt face has a dollop of weld the center plugging the firing pin hole. The bolt assembly moves within the action under appropriate spring tension, and the front of the bolt rotates properly. There is every indication that this gun could be restored to a firing condition with appropriate effort, although would very likely require a replacement barrel. Good news is that the bolt face ridges are intact. There is a small “SA” mark on the right side below the serial number. This indicates that this is one of the guns sold to Finland by France after World War I, and was subsequently imported into the United States between 1959–1962. Electronic NFA registry indicates “FRANCE” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original finish overall with no finish or paint present on the bipod legs. Wood is extremely fine, much better than found on most specimens of this model. Unable to discern condition of the bore. Bolt face described above. The bolt has a tendency to stick in the forward position, and the charging handle knob has been flattened at the front, likely due to amateur attempts to hammer it to the rear. This model is a select-fire machine gun. It is not well-known that the American Expeditionary Force was issued significant numbers of 8mm Lebel Chauchats and 1914 Hotchkiss machine guns upon their arrival in France. These were replaced over time as Browning guns, and Model 1918 Chauchats in .30-06 became available. A very viable collector’s item from The Great War and one in a condition for reactivation, display, or both. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 5 AS A DEACTIVATED CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE NFA ITEM. JWK 2024-12-37.