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How Much is My Hotchkiss Portative Worth?

The Hotchkiss Portative is a WWI-era strip-fed machine gun adopted by British forces for infantry and aircraft use. Its early design and mechanical uniqueness make it a fascinating collector piece.

Curious about how much your Hotchkiss Portative 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 Hotchkiss Portative

Originally a French design, the Hotchkiss Portative was adopted by British forces during WWI due to shortages of homegrown machine guns. It used metal feed strips instead of belts and was known for its simplicity and reliability in early trench warfare. Some variants were mounted on aircraft or vehicles. Transferable examples are uncommon, especially in complete, functioning condition.

Origin

United Kingdom / France

Manufacturer

Hotchkiss, Enfield, BSA

Caliber

.303 British

Rate of Fire

450–500 rounds per minute

Mount Type

Tripod or aircraft mount

Notable Uses

WWI infantry and aircraft; limited WWII service

Hotchkiss Portative Machine Gun Values & Variants

Transferable Hotchkiss Portative 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 $12,000 to $16,000, depending on configuration and provenance.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

  • C&R-Eligible Infantry Examples

    Estimated Value: $12,000 – $16,000

Factors That Influence Hotchkiss Portative Values

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Originality:

Transferable Hotchkiss Portatives 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 Hotchkiss Portative 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 Hotchkiss Portative 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 Hotchkiss Portative has been refinished, restored or modified will significantly affect pricing. Original finishes are typically more desirable.

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Transfer Status:

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

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Receiver Type & Build Origin:

Hotchkiss Portatives 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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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.
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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.
How much is a Hotchkiss Portative worth?
Most transferable Hotchkiss Portatives range from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on condition, completeness, and presence of original accessories.
Are Hotchkiss Portatives C&R eligible?
Yes, original military-production Portatives from WWI are typically C&R eligible, but always confirm based on serial and manufacturer.
Do you buy Hotchkiss Portatives?
Yes, we actively purchase transferable Hotchkiss machine guns. Submit your firearm details for a custom offer.
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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