VERY FINE BRITISH PROOFED PORTATIVE HOTCHKISS MODEL 1909 MK I MACHINE GUN IN .303 BRITISH (FULLY

Charles Erb registered portable Hotchkiss machine gun with cooling finned barrel. Marked on left side of receiver "HOTCHKISS PORTABLE MACHINE GUN / PATENTED CALIBER .303" over serial number. Matching serial numbers on receiver and barrel. No bipod nor shoulder stock attachment present. The portative Hotchkiss utilized a steel feedstrip which is an advantage over 100+ year old cloth belts needed for Maxims for instance. Electronic NFA registry indicates “ERB, CHARLES” as the manufacturer. CONDITION: Overall finish and appearance is extremely fine to near excellent smooth gray refinish thinning in places to a pleasing gray patina, with some discoloration about 3" from the rear of the receiver from remanufacture. Hard rubber grips extremely fine. Handsome brass grip assembly. Bore is near excellent shiny and bright. Bolt face is near excellent. Mechanics are crisp and positive. This is a select fire machine gun. To aid those who are not familiar with this model; in order to cock it, one rotates the bolt handle to the left so that it is in the 11:30 position; then one must strongly pull the bolt handle straight back until the bolt locks in the rear (open) position. Then return the bolt handle to the forward position and rotate it to the right. Rotating to the first index mark on the back for "A" (Automatic) fire, the second index mark for "R" (Rifle) fire, and the third index mark for "S" (Safety). One must also remember that in order to release the bolt forward either a feed strip needs to be inserted into the feedway and/or the plunger on the right side or the receiver needs to be depressed upward. The Hotchkiss design was dependable and effective in the hands of those well-trained to use them. It was used by several countries, including the United States before, during, and after World War I. Its robust design and use of metal feed strips avoided the pitfalls of cloth belts and their exposure to the elements. A particular advantage in areas of the world with wet, inhospitable climates or where insects or molds would readily consume fabric. For those who know them, the Hotchkiss is a popular recreational machine gun. Broad arrow and other British proof marks and the caliber, together with the condition make this an appealing piece for the collector of early machine gun models. THIS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4. JWK 2025-05-074 Barrel Length: 23" Caliber/Bore: .303 British FFL Status: NFA Manufacturer: Charles Erb Model: 1909 MKI Serial Number: 30241