The WWI U.S. AEF Chauchat Magazine Pouches were issued to American troops equipped with the French Fusil Mitrailleur Mle 1915 CSRG (Chauchat) automatic rifle during the First World War. Manufactured in the U.S. to French design standards, these pouches were made from heavy olive drab cotton canvas and designed to carry Chauchat 20-round crescent-shaped magazines.
Each pouch manufactured by us hold’s three magazines and featured individual internal dividers, a large flap with snap or lift-dot fastener, and reinforced belt loops on the rear for attachment to the standard M1910 dismounted cartridge belt or Chauchat gunner’s harness. The American-made version was slightly heavier and sturdier than its French counterpart, using thicker webbing and brass fittings.
DIMENSIONS:
• Height: approx. 10.5 in (27 cm).
• Width: approx. 9.5 in (24 cm).
• Depth: approx. 3 in (7.5 cm).
• Weight (empty): approx. 0.6–0.7 kg (1.3–1.5 lb).
• Capacity: 3 magazines (20 rounds each, 8 mm Lebel)
The typical Chauchat gunner carried two pouches (six magazines total) — one on each side of the waist — giving a total carried load of about 120 rounds.
