{"product_id":"286543","title":"286543","description":"TYPE 46\/66 Siamese Mauser\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a very rare \u0026amp; very interesting rifle for the serious collector.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWoodwork and metal work in very good to excellent condition considering age with all markings and stampings very clear. Bore is good with shine and rifling throughout. Action is smooth and slick. Includes matching period correct bayonet and some rounds if picking up. Price includes postage (except WA and NT, please email first)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMore photos available, please email with address. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat is often referred to as the Siamese Mauser is actually a design licensed from Mauser Oberndorf in Germany based on the Gewehr 98 design. Thailand, then known as Siam lacked the necessary manufacturing capability but Japan did have the required capability \u0026amp; Siam contracted with Japan’s Koishikawa arsenal to build their rifles of which only 40,000 were believed to have been produced with many not surviving WW2. Some features and characteristics of the Japanese Type 35 rifle (under development in the same arsenal at that time) were also incorporated, such as the sliding dust cover \u0026amp; long wrist tangs.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMost were confiscated by the Japanese during the occupation \u0026amp; most of those which escaped to be used against the Japanese by Thai Guerrilla Forces ended up rotting \u0026amp; rusting in the jungle making these extremely difficult to find \u0026amp; highly collectable for knowledgeable collectors.\u003cbr\u003e\nJust below the Chakram symbol on the forward receiver bridge, the rifles were marked (R.S. 121) representing Rattanakosin Sok for the 121st year of Chakri Dynasty (royal family). Since the Thai year started in April on the Gregorian calendar, there is some overlap, but the adoption year is equated as 1903. In 1913, the new king, King Rama VI (Vajiravudh), changed the calendar to use the Buddhist Era for official documents \u0026amp; the rifle was re-designated as the Type 46 for the year 2446 BE (1903). The Koishikawa Arsenal stamp of four stacked cannonballs is stamped on the left side of the receiver under the dust cover next to an inspection mark as can be seen in the photos.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis particular rifle has all matching numbers in Thai numerals. It has Thai numerals \u0026amp; marking everywhere \u0026amp; the Chakram is in excellent condition. This one is completely intact including the original dust cover which is usually missing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThese are very rare on the ground \u0026amp; hard to find in good condition, let alone completely intact. Do your research \u0026amp; if you are serious about adding something unique to your collection, this is it.","brand":"Cardanogirls","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42588006711384,"sku":null,"price":1575527100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/8548\/1048\/files\/20460-2019-12-05_07-03-48-AM.jpg?v=1737819182","url":"https:\/\/cardanogirls.io\/products\/286543","provider":"Cardanogirls","version":"1.0","type":"link"}