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How Much is My Chauchat Worth?

The Chauchat is a distinctive WWI-era French light machine gun known for its open magazine design and long recoil operation. Though often criticized, it remains an iconic and highly collectible military firearm.

Curious about how much your Chauchat light machine gun is worth? Whether you’re looking to sell or simply understand current pricing, we’ll help you assess the market value of your firearm.

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About the Chauchat

Developed during World War I, the Chauchat was one of the world’s earliest mass-produced automatic rifles. Despite its reputation for reliability issues—especially in the U.S.-issued .30-06 version—the original 8mm Lebel models are valued by collectors for their historical significance and rarity in transferable form.

Origin

France

Manufacturer

MAC (Châtellerault), Gladiator, and others

Caliber

8mm Lebel (French military)

Rate of Fire

240–300 rounds per minute

Mount Type

Bipod-mounted with shoulder stock

Notable Uses

WWI, French Expeditionary Forces

Chauchat Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable Chauchat Light Machine Guns are highly sought after by NFA collectors and enthusiasts. Value is influenced by originality, condition, variant type and any unique historical markings. Most examples on the market range from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • Standard Transferable Examples

    Estimated Value: $8,000 – $12,000

Factors That Influence Chauchat Values

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Originality:

Transferable Chauchats with original receivers, parts, and factory markings typically command higher prices due to their authenticity and appeal to collectors.

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Condition:

Clean, well-maintained Chauchat machine guns in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition will sell for significantly more than worn or modified examples.

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Historical Markings / Provenance:

If there are markings or provenance that link your Chauchat to a specific military unit, wartime service, or historical event - collector interest and market value can greatly increase.

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Restoration:

Whether your Chauchat has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

Transferrable Chauchats will hold a considerably higher value than their pre-86 or post-86 counterparts.

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

Chauchats built on original receivers with C&R status are valued higher than rewelds or REWATS.

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About Us

Our mission is to make the process of selling your firearm as easy and convenient as possible.

Selling a firearm can be time-consuming and legally complex, especially for machine guns. At webuyguns.com, we streamline the process by purchasing directly from you, saving you time and ensuring a legally compliant, hassle-free transaction. With decades of experience, we provide fair market evaluations and encourage you to compare our offers locally to see the value we bring.

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How it works

You are in control

Our streamlined process makes selling your firearm easy. If you accept our offer, simply package your firearm using the prepaid shipping label we provide. We’ll keep you updated with email notifications at every stage. No hassle, no guesswork—just a smooth, straightforward experience on your terms.

Steps
16 cloud upload Tell us what you have.
Fill out a short form and upload a few photos. This helps us identify what you have. We review your information and images to assess the condition and value of your firearm.
16 currency dollar We make you an offer.
We’ll provide an offer on your firearm via email within 72 hours, and if accepted, provide instructions to complete the process.
16 comments We keep you informed at every stage.
We’ll provide a shipping label and keep you updated with email notifications tracking recieving the firearm, reviewing its condition and issuing payment.
Item Submitted
Colt Python: Minor scratches with approximately 200 rounds through it.
357 Mag Very Good
Offer Made
Ref # 0973457 .357 magnum Colt Python in very good condition.
$1,300
Offer Approved
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Item Shipped
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Tracking # 9610 1385 1287 3021
Item Received
Ref # 0973457 Colt Python
Customer Paid
ACH for $1,300 issued to customer account.

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's

Is this legal?
Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store with the item. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
What is a transferable Chauchat worth?
Most transferable Chauchats range between $8,000 and $12,000, with price influenced by condition, completeness, and provenance.
Is the Chauchat considered C&R eligible?
Yes, many examples are eligible as they are over 100 years old and often imported under C&R status.
Can I legally sell a transferable Chauchat?
Yes, if it was registered prior to 1986. WeBuyGuns.com provides full assistance with shipping, legal paperwork, and Form 4 processing.
How long are offers good for?
Offers are valid for 14 days.
Can I sell multiple firearms?
Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
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