This is a solid example of an original WWI 1915 French "Chauchat" dewat machine gun. While called a machine gun by US terms, it is actually called an automatic rifle by the French. It was one of several type of squad level machine guns used by the French throughout WWI and was even purchased by the US Government as the model 1918 which fired the 30-06 round that employed a straight stick type magazine instead of the standard curved French model magazine. It has a very unique operating mechanism in that it has a rotating bolt or bolt head during the locking and unlocking mode similar to a Johnson rifle and can be fired in both the fully automatic and semi-automatic fashion like the Browning BAR. It operates in a direct blow back manner that uses a long-recoil type mechanism, mounted on top and to the rear of the receiver itself and is feed from a large curved type magazine fitted to the bottom of the weapon. Throughout the war it never proved itself as a very reliable machine gun as the side of the magazine, the opening for the operating rod and bolt area were all exposed to dirt and debris from the battlefields, causing it to jam often and making it not a favorite of the US forces. The left side of the receiver is marked "C.S.R.G. /134971 next to a small boxed "SA" proof indicating capture or use by the Finnish Army at some point. It has a walnut stock, pistol grip and forward support handle with a fixed front sight with a fully adjustable rear sight that has been fitted with a anti-aircraft aiming circle. NOTE: This is a fully transferable NFA Class III Firearm currently on a Form 5. You are required to check your state and/or local laws as to whether or not you may own this. This weapon can be transferred to a Class III dealer at no charge. Buyer pays all other transfer fees and stamps.

Good overall with traces of the original blue finish remaining mostly in the protected areas of the weapon with the balance of the metal having a old dark brown patina. The stock, pistol grip and forward grip handle are all in good to very good condition showing some pressure dents and dings in various places overall. It has been DEWATed by welding a plug in the breech end of the barrel and the face of the bolt, leaving the markings clear and sharp and you can still function or cycle the mechanism. A representative example of a scarce French WWII machine gun.