This is an excellent example of a very late, all original WWI Model 1915 French "Chauchat" machine gun manufactured in 1917/18. The U.S. technically designated this as a machine gun, however the French called it an "automatic rifle" and it was one of several, types of early lightweight machine guns used during WWI, to include use by the initial U.S. AEF, that landed in France in 1917. This rifle is fully functional and the left side of the receiver is stamped: "SIDARME/C.S.R.G./25701" followed by a small boxed "SA" proof, indicating use by the Finnish Army at some point. The SIDARME company produced approximately 18,000 of these rifles in late 1918, which is probably why this example is in such great condition. It has a walnut stock, pistol grip and forward support handle with a fixed front sight with a fully adjustable rear sight. This scarce rifle is chambered in the 8 mm Lebel cartridge that employs the curved, open-sided magazines. These rifles were actually one of the first weapons to use standard, steel tubing and stampings that were combined with a machined bolt and bolt carrier. This way they were able to supply larger quantities of weapons in a very short period of time. They have a unique rotating bolt head mechanism similar to the Swiss K31 and Johnson rifles and operate in a direct blow back manner that uses a long-recoil spring type mechanism, that projects out from the rear of the receiver. They can fire in both a semi and full automatic mode and uses a large curved type magazine fitted to the bottom of the weapon. This example includes three of the curved magazines.

Very fine as refurbished with most of a blue/black arsenal type finish with minor edge and high spot wear. The buttstock and both pistol grips are in very fine plus condition with a nice original, matching, dark walnut oil finish showing minor handling marks and light pressure dents on the sides. It has matching numbers on the upper and lower receiver/trigger groups and cocking handle and the screw heads are also excellent condition indicating that is hasn't been buggered or played with. As noted this is a very late production example and is probably why it remained in such excellent condition. A really nice all original example of a late WWI French Chauchat Automatic Rifle. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) that has been classified as a "Curio or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Before bidding on this item, it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.