This is a scarce example of a WWI British Hotchkiss MKI** light machine gun with an original bipod and accessories. These were developed by the British during WWI and it was produced in two versions; a Tank and Calvary version. The Tank version was produced without a buttstock and instead has a small brass 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 detachable buttstock and was mounted on a "tripod" that was fielded with the weapon. The only two models that were produced were the Mk I and the Mk I*. The first model could only use feed strips with the cartridges loaded in the strips, while the second model, the Mk I* (as we have 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.22421". The top cover is correctly marked "BELT OR STRIP FEED". The rear of the bolt cover and top of the barrel gas block are also stamped with the matching serial number "E22421". It is fitted with offset sights with a inverted "v" front and a tangent rear sight graduated from 100-20 (100-2000 meters). It includes the barrel mounted bipod as noted, a detachable tubular steel buttstock, two strippers of original. 303 British ammunition and a partial box (8 rounds) of Mk7. 303 ammunition and two detailed magazine articles. This weapon was rendered unserviceable by welding a plug in the chamber and also the barrel to the front of the receiver. A small hole was drilled through the chamber plug weld, however it is still listed as unserviceable.

Very good with 60% of the blue finish still remaining overall with clear sharp markings. The top front area of the receiver and barrel appear to have had the weld removed and possibly separated however they need some improvements. 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.