Siamese Mauser with Bayonet

[Aragorn243]

Picked this up before I got into the Harrisburg Gun Show last weekend. I had been looking for one for a while and the price was right. Bayonet off ebay is correct for this model. Sling is a repro Type 38 which is also correct from what research I've done since the rifles were made by Japan. This has been upgraded to the 8mm x 52R which is seen by the rear sight being ground down for the flatter trajectory bullets. A couple of things to note about the bayonet. There are basically two versions, this one with the round flat handle rivets. The second version has oval washers and screws similar to the Japanese Type 30 bayonet. The blades are the same on both. The scabbard is also grooved so that it can be on the bayonet when the bayonet is attached to the rifle.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Flying10uk]

I have a couple of similar bayonets with the riveted grips which I understand were also manufactured in Japan. Does any-one know what the Siamese writing means on the blade, please?

[Aragorn243]

Writing is "RS121" Which stands for the 121st year of the Chakri Dynasty, in other words, the year 1902. It's the model year of the bayonet.

One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that I'm in need of a cleaning rod for this. Supposedly a GEW98 or Brazilian Mauser cleaning rod are identical and will fit but my GEW98 rod while the correct length will not screw into the "nut", it is too small of a thread. I do not have access to a Brazilian cleaning rod.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

High cool factor on that one. Nice photos as well.

[Flying10uk]

I don't know where you would get an original cleaning rod from. They were missing from both of my K98s and I had to replace them with reproductions which look the part. I guess K98 rods are different? Even they come in at least 2 and possibly 3 different lengths depending on the make or age of the rifle I believe.

[Eaglelord17]

Very nice rifle and bayonet. I really like the way how the type 35 style dust cover looks, it is just very unique. Definitely not your average looking milsurp.

[Aragorn243]

K98 rods are generally shorter than GEW98 rods. The rods for the Siamese are 15 5/8 inches. My K98 has a repro in it also.

The rifle has a different look because the ammunition is rimmed and the magazine is angled to prevent the cartridges from hanging up on one another. It's why the stock is a bit deeper toward the rear.

[Calif-Steve]

Ammo is tough to find and even in Thailand not around. My buddy goes over all of the time and sees wild stuff and the local flea market. Lots of bayonets and other stuff. The Dealers Warehouse has/had mint barrels for these rifles.

[browningautorifle]

As mentioned, a nice looking rifle and not your average rifle. I'd like to have a good look at that one...

[Flying10uk]

Aragorn243, do you know the year of manufacture of your rifle, please? If memory serves me correctly I did see or read somewhere that this was the only rifle/bayonet combination where the scabbard could remain attached to the bayonet while the bayonet was fitted to the rifle. I can't quite believe it's the only combination where this is possible but equally I'm unable to think of another example where it can be done.