An evolution of an Austrian design, the French-made Hotchkiss gun was a significant deviation from the Maxim and its copies and imitators, using a quick-detachable air-cooled barrel, a piston-driven gas operation and firing from an open bolt, all of which would go on to be common features in medium and light machine guns. Additionally, the feed mechanism used rigid brass plates instead of the canvas belts that became the de-facto standard until the disintegrating belt was introduced; a lone operator could feed in these plates on their own, with the bolt locking back automatically when the plate was empty, a loading team could link plates together as they were fired for continuous discharge, or a series of hinged, linked plates could be used for vehicle gunners. As well as being an inspiration for the next wave of machine guns, the Hotchkiss itself would be licensed or copied by the Americans, Chinese and Japanese. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the latter marked as being for the Model "1886D" cartridge. The barrel is fitted with a set of 5 thick cooling fins at the breech and a hand-adjustable gas port assembly at the underside. The right side of the frame bears the serial number and "1918" production date, and the left is marked with the French nomenclature and patent markings. A brass pistol grip is fitted to the underside and a steel maneuvering spade grip on the rear. Included with the gun is a black painted steel tripod.

Good, with traces of the original blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina overall, with patches of oxidization, edge wear and handling marks. A number of dents are visible on the side of the gas tube, and the brass components show a well aged patina. The tripod has been repainted at least once, with rust visible on the exposed steel. Mechanically needs adjustment. NOTE: This weapon is 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.