Turkish Army Model Hotchkiss M1922 Light Machine Gun Complete Parts Kit

SOLD FOR: $2,050.01

WOA#: 230609DW006WY

Make: Brevete S.G.D.G. Made for Turkish Army

Model: Hotchkiss Light Machine Gun

Caliber:  7.92×57mm Mauser

Serial Number: 2107

Year of Manufacture: Pre 1924

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “BREVETE S.G.D.G. / No 303” as well as Arabic Script that is partially cut off.  The left side of the receiver is marked with Arabic.  There are several proofs on the receiver and parts.  The Arabic translates: “Caliber: 7.9 Number: 70: “19…Turkish Model Hotchkiss Light Machine Gun”.  (The date is cut off from the torch cut.  Should say “1927” the manufacture date.  The top of the barrel is marked 4249 in Arabic .  The bottom of the receiver and trigger guard are marked with Arabic numerals, “5982” translated.  The top of the receiver has its Turkish Crest (Pre-24).

Barrel Length: Approximate 22”.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed post atop the barrel. The rear sight is a leaf tangent sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This non-functioning light machine gun has had its receiver torch cut in several areas and is missing a quarter inch of its receiver around all the cuts.  The cuts have been cleaned up a bit.   The buttstock, pistol grip, vertical foregrip, and carry handle are wood. The buttstock has a folding butt plate and sling ring on the left side.  This is a complete kit with complete internal parts.  The barrel comes with its original booster cone/flash hider.  The barrel is fully serviceable.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright/slightly gray.  There is no visible erosion.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 given its age and provenance.

Overall Condition:  This non-functioning light machine gun has had its receiver torch cut in several areas. The screw heads are sharp and the threads are serviceable. The markings are clear where not cut. All metal parts are serviceable apart from the receiver.  Overall, this non-functioning display piece rates in about Excellent condition.  Please see photos for a better understanding of the Light Machine Gun’s condition.

Mechanics: This is a complete non-functioning display parts kit.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This parts kit comes with 7x Hotchkiss Feed Strips.  One strip has 24rds of 8mm and another strip has 9 rds of 8x50mmR Lebel.  The ammo and strips are in Poor-Good condition and are being sold as components only.  There is some storage wear on the strips but not defects that would inhibit functionality.

Our Assessment:  The Hotchkiss company, despite not achieving the same level of global recognition as other firearms manufacturers, produced a diverse range of firearms throughout its history. It was established by Benjamin Hotchkiss, an American gunsmith from Connecticut who relocated to France due to the lack of interest in firearms development during the Civil War. In France, Hotchkiss successfully designed a series of machine guns, including the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon, Hotchkiss Portative (adopted by the US as the M1909 Benet-Mercie), and the M1914 Hotchkiss heavy machine gun, which became standard issue for the French Army during World War I.

Following World War I, Hotchkiss continued its firearm development, resulting in the creation of the M1922 Hotchkiss, a light machine gun primarily intended for export. While the French military chose the Chatellerault 24/29 over the M1922, the gun found buyers in several smaller nations. Hotchkiss, known for its export-oriented approach, offered the M1922 in various rifle calibers, with different barrel types, front grips or handguards, bipods, and the option of being fed by strips or box magazines.

The M1922 Hotchkiss saw use in numerous countries, although it didn’t play a major role in large-scale conflicts. However, it found utility in local conflicts and gained a reputation for reliability. Some notable purchasers of the M1922 included Greece (strip-fed in 6.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer and 8mm Mauser), China (strip-fed in 8mm Mauser), Czechoslovakia (strip-fed in 8mm Mauser), Spain (mag-fed in 7mm Mauser), Turkey (strip-fed in 8mm Mauser), United Kingdom (strip-fed and mag-fed in .303 British), and France (in small numbers, strip-fed in 7.5 French).

Buy this wonderful complete light machine gun kit and you’ll be holding history in your hands in no time, but ya have to bid on it first!