^Lot 1038 WW1 BRITISH HOTCHKISS MARK I* PORTABLE MACHINE

GUN. Cal. 303. S# E32192. Bbl. 22". Blade front sight. Tangent rear sight graduated to 2000m. WW1 era British Hotchkiss Portable MKI* machine gun. Backplate & receiver have matching numbers; other parts have mixed numbers. Parts have broad arrow & varied British military stamps. Left of receiver has La France Specialties markings denoting rewat. NFA paperwork lists maker as "HOTCHKISS". Arsenal rework type blue finish with action appearing to be a grayer color. Hardwood carry handle present. Brass grip frame with checkered black rubber grip panels. Gun is mounted on a CB &S tripod. CONDITION: right grip panel shows a couple large missing chunks, grips otherwise show staining, dings, checkering wear & handling marks. Brass grip frame is a dull yellow patina with what appears to be paint staining spots, dings, handling marks & oxidation. Chamber shows evidence of material & top of bbl. shows some discoloration both likely from dewat. Metal otherwise retains 60% mix of finishes with some blued over pitting on action, edge wear, dings, oxidation, handling marks & overall fading to brown. Action appears to function properly when hand cycled. Very good bore with strong rifling. Tripod appears cleaned with oxidation, pitting & dings. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. (03-2376/MJC). CURIO, CLASS III. $12,000-15,000.