Siamese Mauser

This Siamese Mauser is unique and rare because it has been rechambered in 45-70 by Arms co in Ridgefield USA. This was a somewhat common conversion in the 1970s-80s.

The photo’s included show the original Mauser and by looking at the two its hard to see any similarities. This rifle has undergone a complete transformation. It is now a German/Siamese/American Hybrid.

The Mauser pattern bolt-action rifle might be one of the most influential firearm designs ever conceived. Nearly every nation, including the Kingdom of Siam, adopted some version of the Mauser rifle at one time or another.

In many ways, the bolt-action rifle is seen as an aging design of the past. In the same vein, the rule of Kings in Siam is a relic of the past, making the Siamese Type 46 Mauser a unique artifact from the turn of the 20th century.

While many military surplus collectors are familiar with the Russian Mosin-Nagant, the American Springfield Model of 1903, or the German K98 Mauser, the Siamese Type 46 is easily overlooked since it was not a major participant in any major 20th century conflicts. Still, it is a beautifully crafted rifle from an era long past.

Prior to a coup revolution in 1932, the nation of Thailand was formally known as Siam. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Kingdom of Siam was one of the only independent nations in Southeast Asia. Sandwiched between French-controlled Indochina and the British controlled Malay Peninsula, Siam was under control of King Rama V.

King Rama V was determined to keep up with the advancing technologies in firearms yet met resistance in trade due to pressures imposed by Siam’s neighboring colonies. This led the Kingdom of Siam into trials to find a rifle design for domestic manufacturing.

Like nearly every other nation in the world, the Siamese were impressed with the German Mauser Model 98. The fast, accurate, and strong action of the Mauser was finding its way into military service with nations on just about every continent. However, while the design was liked and a licensing agreement was settled, Siam was unable to procure the manufacturing capabilities to build the rifle in adequate numbers for its military. #firearmhistory #firearmmuseum #siamesemauser #4570 #gympie