May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Very fine specimen of the French Chauchat Model 1918 machine gun in .30-06 as and marked “C.S.R.G.” (Chauchat, Sutter, Ribeyrolles and Gladiator). Numbers are matching between upper and lower receivers, and one original .30-06 magazine is included with this lot. Gladiator manufactured about 19,000 of this model between April and November of 1918 for American World War I forces. Americans were initially issued the 8m Lebel Model of 1915 upon their arrival in France, as they were also issued the French Hotchkiss Model 1914 in 8mm Lebel. This model was in the process of being replaced by the Browning Automatic Rifle late in 1918. Very few of these .30-06 Chauchat guns made it back to the United States, and these are a scarce item to find in any condition. Consignor states that this particular example runs very well. Electronic NFA registry indicates, “FRANCE” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine overall original finish with a uniform gray and brown patina. Wood furnishings are fine with some bruises and handling marks but still remain very strong and serviceable. Bore is in amazing condition for the model, near excellent, shiny and bright. Bolt face is extremely fine. Action moves smoothly and mechanics are crisp. This is a select-fire machine gun. This gun would fill a space normally vacant in WWI machine gun collections. A very viable collectors item from The Great War in a caliber still very common in the United States. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2024-05-120.
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield