Developed to overcome the shortcomings of the infamous Chauchat after WW1, the Chatellerault became the standard LMG of the French army. The Chatellerault’s mechanism was based on the Browning Automatic Rifle. The design was clean and modern looking, using the overhead box magazine containing 25 rounds of 7.5 mm. Many were captured and used by the German army and after 1945 the French resumed production and it served the French army again for many years.
Marks and Stamps: (L side of receiver) Mle 1924 M 29 B 71020 F| Accession Number: 277 | Period of Use: 1930s - 1960s |
| Type: Machine gun | War Zones: Second World War; Algeria; Indochina |
| Country of Origin: France | Type Date: 1928 |
| Manufacturer: Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault | Serial Number: B71020F |
| Manufacture Date: Unknown | Calibre/Ammunition: 7.5mm |
| Weight: 9240g | Length Overall: 1082mm |
| Cyclic Rate: 500rpm | Length Barrel: 500mm |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: DA 12290 |