April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
This Chatellerault is marked on right side of the receiver “MLE 1924 M 29” with serial number. Matching serial number visible on gas tube when viewed through magazine matches receiver serial number. Barrel is non-matching SN. "PK" mark at bottom right side of receiver indicates a parkerizing finish process tested on machine guns in French service in the 1930's. Included in this lot is an original leather sling and eight original 25 round magazines efficiently contained in a re-purposed German 1938 dated magazine box. Bipod retains its original cast brass feet and deploys properly. Tripod attachment post not present at bottom of buttstock with mounting latch and flip up buttplate serviceable and tools present within buttstock compartment. Four holes drilled on left side of the receiver near barrel. Leather cocking handle cover still present and serviceable. The magazine well and ejection port has a very well-fitted and effective cover arrangement designed to keep dust and grime out of the action. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is fine retaining over 85% of original blue finish thinning and turning to a brown patina in places. Barrel retains about 90% of a black enamel paint with some scratches to bare metal in places. Bipod retains over 90% of its original black painted finish. Wooden forend, handgrip and buttstock have some small chips, dings and handling marks but still present a good appearance. Bore is shiny and bright with crisp rifling. Bolt is extremely fine. The Chatellerault was a successful adaptation of the Browning automatic rifling principal by the French with the idea it could provide “walking fire” upon offensive maneuver. Two trigger design, one for semi-automatic and one for fully automatic fire. Those who have fired this machine gun will attest to its effectiveness. A rare gun from the WW2 era and a great opportunity for the French gun collector, especially with eight magazines! 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.
Accessories
German mag carrier W/8 magazines
Caliber/Bore
7.5x54mm French
Manufacturer
Châtellerault