October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This Chatellrault is marked on right side of the receiver “MLE 1924” with serial number. Serial number on gas tube and on barrel do not match receiver number. Evidence on chamber and at joint between barrel and receiver that this is a reactivated gun. Everything appears to be in order. One original 25 round magazine is included with this lot. Bipod retains its original cast brass feet and deploys properly. Tripod attachment post not present at bottom of buttstock however mounting latch and flip-up buttplate serviceable. Sheet metal cover over tool compartment inletted into the stock. No tools present. 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. It is worth noting that the bolt holds open on the final shot when the magazine is in place on this arm. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is fine retaining over 85% of a black enamel finish with scratches and chips revealing brown and grey patina in places. Barrel has reapplied enamel at joint between barrel and receiver. Mechanics are fine. Barrel retains about 90% of a black enamel paint with some scratches to bare metal in places. Barrel and bipod retain over 90% of their original black painted finish. Wooden forend, handgrip and buttstock have some small chips, dings and handling marks. Bore is very good with shiny lands and frosted in the grooves. Bolt is fine. The Chatellrault 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 to find registered for private ownership in the United States and really fun gun to shoot! 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 2019-10-141
Caliber/Bore
7.5x54mm French