May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Fine collectible World War I French model 1914 Hotchkiss machine gun in original 8mm Lebel on an original “The U.S. Standard Parts Co” model of 1916 ground mount. Otherwise referred to as the “Cleveland Mount” by longtime machine gun collectors and enthusiasts. Only about 2500 of these mounts were manufactured, and most were scrapped many years ago. Also included with this lot are 3 original steel Hotchkiss feed strips with original “red” primer ammunition. Bidders can contact Morphy’s if additional feed strips are desired. This Hotchkiss is dated “1918” on the right side of receiver below serial number, and marked “MITRAILLEUSE AUTOMATIQUE HOTCHKISS / BREVETEE S.G.D.G. / CALIBRE 8 M/M” on left side of receiver. This gun was amnesty registered as a deactivated gun, and has been legally reactivated to be a “live” gun by “U.S. Armament Corp, Ephrata, PA”, and is so marked on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip. Gun is mismatched as brass feed block matches #M28101 does not match receiver, nor does barrel 8763. No “N” found on the barrel or sights, indicating this barrel is still chambered for the original WW1 "D" ammunition which, indicates it was probably a WWI bring-back gun and was never retrofitted for the later "N" Type ammunition. This model incorporates an attractive brass pistol grip and steel backplate handle for traversing this gun on its mount. Electronic NFA registry indicates “HOTCHKISS” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Original Amnesty Registration paperwork. It might be of interest that the consignor states this piece came from the estate of the author of the book adapted to the film “JAWS”. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is very good original finish turned to an even brown patina on receiver with a black enamel paint finish on the barrel in better condition. Operating piston and bolt in the white with mottled brown patina. Brass handgrip very attractive. Cleveland mount in good serviceable condition with a rust brown paint over significant scale, but could clean up very well with effort. Bore is dark and pitted yet with strong rifling and is serviceable. Bolt face fine. Mechanics are crisp and positive. This is a full-auto-only machine gun, and an attractive package for the World War I or II machine gun collector/enthusiast, or recreational shooter. The French Model 1914 Hotchkiss machine gun is an extremely durable design and was used by both the French and U.S. forces during World War I, the French forces during WWII, and even taken into German service during WWII converted by them to fire 8mm Mauser. They also saw significant service in South America in the popular 7mm Mauser caliber. The advent of availability of modern boxer primed 8mm Lebel ammunition has breathed new life into this venerable, steady, and incredibly accurate machine gun model as a recreational machine gun. The heavy cooling rings on the barrel are an instantly recognizable trademark. These are great, steady firing guns. 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 2024-05-012.
Accessories
Standard Products Tripod, 3 Feed Strips
Paperwork
Copy of Amnesty Registration Form