GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
CHAUCHAT MODEL 1915 MACHINE GUN (CURIO & RELIC DEWAT).FRENCHCHAUCHATIRS-3056A8MM LEBELMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. 8mm Lebel. 21" bbl with flash hider. "Finish S.A." initials are on left side of receiver in addition to typical C.S.R.G. that stand for Chauchat, Sutter, Ribeyrolles and Gladiator (which are the manufacturers). This design was rushed into production in 1915 due to the perceived immediate need for an automatic rifle following the opening of WWI. Eventually, over 244,000 were manufactured by 1918 in 8mm Lebel. This is a slow firing machine gun with a long recoil travel making it difficult to control when prone and behind the gun. Arguably it is more effective in it's intended role of providing walking fire while troops were advancing. One orig mag included. This specimen has been de-activated by having the chamber welded shut, with the weld covering all the chamber mouth and onto the receiver, including welding the bolt carrier to the receiver. The bolt is frozen in place. Detent lever, mag release & safety/selector all move properly. Firing mechanism is frozen in place with bolt face 1" back from chamber with a build up of weld on face. This weapon is de-activated and non-functional. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This weapon is fully transferable on an ATF form 5 as Curio & Relic eligible as a de-activated tax-exempt transfer. This weapon may be re-activated on an ATF form 1 upon application and approval by BATF. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is good with about 50% of the orig finish remaining with scattered pitting turning to some heavy pitting in places particularly on the forward 1/3 of this gun. Wood is serviceable and complete albeit cracked near the receiver and loosening. This could be repaired. Mag appears to be fully serviceable. 8mm lebel ammunition is now readily available, providing the opportunity for collectors to shoot this model with reliable ammunition. 50727-2 JWK52 (1,500-3,000)