I cannot seem to locate much information on these,Attachment 40903
Any help would be most appreciated.
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I cannot seem to locate much information on these,Attachment 40903
Any help would be most appreciated.
There's a 109 pic photo montage of an "all matching" piece in the MKL ...
1920 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) "Wild Tiger Corps" No.1 MkIII* Rifle (click here)
http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG(Click PIC to Enlarge)http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG
Regards,
Doug
A quick history on this interesting rifle:
In 1920 King Vajiravudh also know as Rama VI ordered from BSA 10,000 No1 MkIII* for his volunteer force "The Wild Tigers"- This force also included the Royal Bodyguard.
These rifles are recognized by a tiger head and Siamese script on the right side of the butt socket. The inscription is Siamese reads, "Mark Rama VI BE 2462". BE 2462 indicates a year in Buddhist calendar (AD 1919). Rama VI is a royal name of king Vajiravualh, who ruled from 1910 to 1925. The tiger is a symbol of the Wild Tiger Corps, an elite military formation, which the king founded in 1911. The serial numbers are also stamped on the rifle in Siamese script. The receiver and barrel displays British commercial markings that are correct for foreign contract rifles. Most pieces have a rough bore. The metal finish has normally turned a dull blue. The wood usually has turned a dark brown (basically related to handling and climatic conditions of Siam. There normally is major pitting under the wood as all seem to have, but it is not visible with the full wood.
They are pretty rare and almost impossible to find in good condition...this is apparently because most were destroyed during the Japanese invasion in WW2 and many others rotted away in the Jungle climate.
A well used but scarcer Lee Enfield variation.
The bayonet scabbards rotted and had the leather replaced with steel. Not that rare in Aussie just scarce. An original scabbard would be very rare. Their condition is generally very poor though i have seen one better than poor.The bayonets rate the same.
I have one or more scabbards for the Siamese Lee Enfield 1907 Pat. bayonet and they are METAL...full length.
Not sure if they are a local produced item but no leather at all.
Spotted a bayonet and leather scabbard today, lashed out and bought it, not really shore why, bayonets at my place just get smothered in grease, wrapped in clingwrap and thrown into a big box.:dunno:
I guess it makes the set though, Aberdeen Tigers is the local football team in the town where the Range I supervise is.......maybe that's why I picked this one up, info on it seems to be scarce, BSA have little on it and the others are only snippets.
I'll keep looking.:beerchug:
I was fortunate to get the rifle for £180 back in 2003 and then the bayonet a short while afterwards. I must check my records and see how much the bayonet cost me!
Mine's in good nick and shoots better than I can!
In fact I posted some info on it on an earlier thread.
---------- Post added at 11:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 PM ----------
I was fortunate to get the rifle for £180 back in 2003 and then the bayonet a short while afterwards. I must check my records and see how much the bayonet cost me!
Mine's in good nick and shoots better than I can!
In fact I posted some info on it on an earlier thread.
I'm not sure how you connect to an earlier thread but try this link:-
Smiley Cat
Thanks for that, that info is much more than expected, very good.:thup:
Not just any bayonet will do muff :nono: it has to be one that went with the rifles.:thup: Suppose you want me to get mine out and tell you how it is marked.:D
It's a tiger Bindii, I didn't want you to rouse on me, bugger.......you did anyway.:surrender:
You pick up a Tiger in bits then caually pick up a Tiger bayonet with a leather scabbard ( is the scabbard the real deal) next i suppose you will drop the news it all matches etc etc you:surrender: what about me :banghead:Quote:
Originally Posted by muffett.2008
Well done:thup:
Nah Bindii, I'm not likely to claim all matching, I'm an Aitheist so if it happens you will find me at Mary McKillops grave.
Spotted it just after you mentioned it on Ebay, they did provide pic's, but I don't believe in reposting them, you see the flak flying when others post ebay pics that are not accurate.
It will probably turn out to be a steak knife with a picture of the Balmain Tigers glued to it.
Definately not a Balmain Tiger, I'm happy.
The scabbard is leather, the metalwork is painted olive drab.
Attachment 41065Attachment 41066Attachment 41067
Now to grease it up, wrap it in glad wrap and throw it in the box with the others.
How do the numbers go a match or just close like better than 50%. If you cant read the script it is in the BIBLE.:thup:
Put it on the business end. If it wont fit in the safe get a bigger safe.:D
Actually I need another safe, big problem is where to put it without adding extra security camera's.
Or send it to me. I will MAKE room for it . Can't wait to see her assembled.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bindi2
Gee you have to be quick around here:thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by HOOKED ON HISTORY
The bloody timber is still oozing oil, starting to lighten a bit though, so a bit of crap is coming out, waiting on a sear, was the only bit missing and the only bit not in my bits box.
Yep. He who hesitates is lost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bindi2
I know where there are a number of barrelled "tiger corps" receivers in various states of disrepair if anyone would like a project.