September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Fine collectible World War I French model 1914 Hotchkiss machine gun in original 8mm Lebel on ground mount from the estate collection of Dolf Goldsmith. To those knowledgeable in the National Firearms Act community, Dolf was the patriarch of the machine gun hobby, with numerous books to his credit. There was never any person more enthusiastic about or more helpful to others in this hobby. An utterly charming and without guile person with a passionate curiosity. Included with this lot are 15 original 8mm Lebel steel feedstrips for this gun. This Hotchkiss is dated “1917” 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. Receiver, feed block, and action cover are all matching. Barrel is unnumbered. This model incorporates an attractive brass pistol grip and steel backplate handle for traversing this gun on its mount. Tripod is neither Omnibus nor Standard Products, but instead the lighter and less often encountered tripod for this gun. The head is a casting with a very well-made brass elevation screw. Electronic NFA registry indicates “HOTCHKISS” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Dolf L. Goldsmith. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine to near excellent matte blue refinish with more lustrous original finish on barrel and flash hider. Operating piston and bolt in fine condition. Brass handgrip very attractive. Bore is dark in the grooves with strong rifling. Bolt face is extremely 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. Tripod exhibits a dull gray repainted finish. 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, and even taken into German service during WW2 converted by them to fire 8 MM 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. Everybody who knew Dolf knew how much he loved to shoot this gun (especially when someone else did the carrying of it!) 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 2025-09-163.
Accessories
tripod and 15 feed strips