This is a scarce example of a early WWI British Hotchkiss MKI* light machine gun with its original Cavalry tripod. These were developed by the British during WWI and it was produced in two versions; a Tank and Cavalry version with two different models. 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 Cavalry 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* 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.29240". The top cover is correctly marked "BELT OR STRIP FEED". The rear of the receiver is also stamped with the matching serial number on the bolt cover, and the barrel is marked "B36783", 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" with the obverse dated "1918" and the various components having the British Broad Arrow proof. Also included is a steel and hardwood case containing 10 blued loading strips. Provenance: The Cater Joseph Collection