This is a scarce example of a early WWI British Hotchkiss MKI* "Tank Version" light machine gun with its original Calvary tripod. These were developed by the British during WWI and it was produced in two versions; a Tank and Calvary version with two different models. The Tank version was produced without a buttstock and instead has a small bras pistol grip. These were intended to be mounted either as a coaxial gun or on top in a pedestal mount. The Calvary version actually used a short buttstock and was mounted on the "tripod" that is included with this lot. The two models that were produced was the MK I and the MKI*. The first model could only use feed strips with the cartridges loaded in the strips, while the second model, the MKI*, that we have for sale here, could use either the feed strips or a belt of ammunition. The side of the receiver is marked: "HOTCHKISS PORTABLE MACHINE GUN. MKI*/PATENTED CALIBER .303/No E.326821". The top cover is correctly marked "BELT OR STRIP FEED". The rear of the receiver is also stamped with the matching serial number "E36821" on the bolt cover and the barrel is marked "A36821", which probably indicates an arsenal modified or updated barrel. It is fitted with offset sights with a inverted "v" front and a tangent rear sight graduated from 100-20 (100-2000 meters). The tripod is correctly marked: "MOUNTING TRIPOD/HOTCHKISS 303 IN GUN/25255" with the obverse dated "1918" and the various components having the British Broad Arrow proof.

Very fine with 80% of the original blued finish overall with general light blue loss and thinning overall with more blue loss on the barrel and underside of the gun. The smaller tripod is also in very good condition with the steel components having browned out and the brass components having an original dulled patina. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios 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.