September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Among the first Light Machine Guns designed to be utilized by a single operator, the Chauchat Model 1915 saw extensive use with the French during World War I, with a number of examples, such as this one, donated to Finland by France during the Winter War, but only arriving in time to see use in the Continuation War. This example bears a boxed Finnish "SA" property mark followed by "C.S.R.G.", the serial number, and selector markings "S", "M", and "C" on the left side of the lower assembly, with the rear of the receiver tube also stamped "C.S.R.G." above the serial number. Top of the receiver is stamped "N" just before the barrel shroud, indicating conversion to the 8mm Lebel Balle N cartridge. Metal components are blued, while the grip, pistol grip, and buttstock are comprised of solid wood. Matching numbers are present on the receiver, lower assembly, recoil spring guide rod/receiver end cap, firing pin, and barrel. Complete with 1 boxed Finnish "SA" property marked 20-round magazine. NFA Registry lists "FRANCE" in the manufacturer block and "1915" in the model block. CONDITION: Metal components retain the majority of their period arsenal reapplied blue finish, exhibiting scattered spots of wear and thinning overall that show through to pleasant brown and gray patinas, with some areas of pitting present beneath the bluing. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well-defined rifling throughout. Wood furniture exhibits scattered nicks, marks, and impressions from handling and storage, with the buttstock bearing a repaired crack on the right side and a larger previously repaired crack on the right that should be handled with care. A very nice and attractive example of a World War I French light machine gun that Finland subsequently utilized during the late 1930s into the mid-1940s. HIS 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.