*Thai (Siam), 1903, Type 45 (R.S.121) Mauser Bayonet, Siamese Markings, with Correct Scabbard, & British P37 White Web Frog*
A scarce and highly collectible Siamese Type 45 Mauser bayonet, dated R.S.121 (1903), complete with its correct Siamese scabbard and accompanied by a British Pattern 1937 white web bayonet frog. This is a very attractive early 20th-century Mauser-pattern bayonet showing the distinctive blend of German design, Japanese manufacture, and Siamese military issue.
The bayonet has a fullered steel blade with the ricasso stamped in Siamese script “ร ศ ๑๒๑” (R.S.121), denoting adoption in Rattanakosin Sok year 121, corresponding to 1903. The pommel is struck with Siamese rack numerals “๒ ๙๑๙” (2919), a typical inventory marking found on issued examples. The hilt is of classic Mauser pattern with wooden grips secured by the original flush ground nut-and-bolt fasteners, steel crossguard with muzzle ring, and birds-head pommel with press-stud catch.
The bayonet is complete with its original steel scabbard, showing the distinctive Siamese throat depression designed to allow the scabbard to remain attached while the bayonet is fixed to the rifle — a unique feature of Type 45 production.
Also included is a British Pattern 1937 white web bayonet frog, stamped C.N. / A.A. / 0997 with broad arrow government acceptance mark. The white webbing indicates ceremonial, parade, or specialist use rather than field service, and while not original to the bayonet, it is period military equipment and displays well with the piece.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 24.6 cm. Overall length: 37 cm.
Historical Note:
Siam (modern Thailand) used the Rattanakosin Sok (R.S.) calendar, beginning in 1782 with the founding of Bangkok. Thus R.S.121 corresponds to 1903 in the Gregorian calendar. When Siam later adopted the Buddhist Era calendar in 1913, the same weapon became known as the Type 45, referring to B.E. 2445, also equal to 1903.
In 1903 Siam ordered approximately 40,000 Mauser-pattern rifles and bayonets. As German factories were heavily committed to domestic and Turkish contracts, licensed production was carried out in Japan at the Imperial Japanese Army Arsenal at Koishikawa, Tokyo. The Type 45 bayonet follows what later became known in the West as the M1904 Mauser pattern, and the Siamese Type 45 and German M1904 bayonets are interchangeable, making this an important early example in the evolution of 20th-century Mauser bayonet design.
The present example clearly illustrates this international history — German design, Japanese manufacture, and Siamese military service — confirmed by the R.S.121 ricasso stamp and rack-numbered pommel.
*Condition*
Good original condition with honest service wear throughout. Blade with age patina, light staining and surface marks but no damage or sharpening abuse. Grips solid and original with correct flush fasteners. Pommel and catch working correctly. Scabbard original with consistent finish wear and no dents affecting fit. Frog worn and marked but sound, with clear government acceptance stamp. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
