This is a very scarce WWI French Hotchkiss designed Model 1914 medium machine as manufactured in 1918, that comes with an original tripod and a ammunition can full of spare parts. This model was the French equivalent of the British Hotchkiss machine gun only it is chambered in the standard French 8 mm Lebel cartridge. The French redesigned their version in that it had a somewhat heavier barrel with five large annular rings on the barrel, which assisted in the natural cooling. The gas cylinder under the barrel features a regulator piston which can be adjusted to the normal rate of fire of 450 rounds per minute. Its very easy to adjust in that all you have to do is turn the gas setting on the end of the of the gas cylinder to change the cyclic rate. They are similar to the British design as they don't have any traditional buttstock and instead a fixed steel handle on the back side of the receiver with a brass pistol grip on the underside to help aim/point the machine gun while also keeping it from getting away from the firer. They were used throughout WWI, up through WWII and even to a certain extent into Indo-China (Vietnam). These are a somewhat heavy weapon but they were very reliable and had an excellent performance reputation in all applications. The right side is stamped "No 44480" and is dated "1918" and the left side is marked: "MITRAILLEUSE AUTOMATIQUE HOTCHKISS/BREVETTE S.G.D.G.". The top of the barrel block (for the gas cylinder) and the rear of the receiver are also stamped with serial number "44480". It comes with an original large and heavy "Omni-Bus" tripod is designed to work with the Hotchkiss and St. Etienne machine guns. It has a large integral brass elevation mechanism. The tripod is marked on the front end "OMNI BUS/1915/ATS-5545" with the same markings and date on the elevation mechanism. As noted this example has been deactivated by welding the breech end of the barrel completely closed and the side of the breech bolt has been cutaway to render it inoperable. However it does comes with an extra bolt and a ammunition can full of small repair parts and a wrench.

Very fine condition with 80% of the blue finish still remaining which has browned out completely with edge and high spot wear. The tripod is also in very fine condition with 90% of its painted finish. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It 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.