Developed by the British during WWI, the Hotchkiss Portable Machine Gun was produced in two models with 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 buttstock and was mounted on the "tripod" that is included with this lot. The two models that were produced was the MKI 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.38701". 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 "B/21477". An offset inverted "v" front sight is installed on the barrel, no rear sight present, and a second brass tripod lug is installed ahead of the gas port. The buttstock is steel construction. The tripod is marked "TYERS". Also included is an extra barrel.