Valuation Guides Machine Guns Chauchat

Published: May 26, 2025 | Updated: February 17, 2026

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

Market values reviewed by Chris Wing, Lead Firearms Valuation Specialist

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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We review your information and images to assess the condition and value of your firearm.

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We’ll provide an offer on your firearm and, if accepted, provide a shipping label.

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Frequently asked questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.

How much is a transferable Chauchat worth in 2026?
In the current 2026 market, transferable Chauchat values generally range from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on originality, condition, matching components and overall completeness.
What factors most affect the value of a Chauchat?
Transferable status is the baseline, then condition, originality, matching parts and documented provenance drive pricing. Complete examples with correct components and strong mechanical condition typically bring the highest values.
Are all Chauchat machine guns transferable?
No. Value and transferability depend on registration history and paperwork, not the model alone. We can help confirm status based on available documentation and markings.
Do you buy Chauchat machine guns?
Yes. WeBuyGuns.com buys transferable machine guns nationwide. Share photos and any paperwork details and we can provide a current value range and a purchase offer with clear next steps.
Can I sell a Chauchat I inherited?
Yes, if it is legally transferable. Eligibility depends on registration history and paperwork. We can help you understand what you have and outline the compliant path to sell.
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