*Thai (Siam), 1903, Type 45 (R.S. 121) Mauser Bayonet, with Scabbard; Siamese Markings*
A rare Siamese Type 45 (R.S. 121) bayonet with clear Siamese script on the ricasso and rack-numbered pommel — a distinctive and highly collectible piece of Siam’s early 20th-century Mauser legacy.
A scarce Siamese (Thai) Type 45 Mauser bayonet, produced under contract in 1903 for the R.S. 121 (1903) Siamese Mauser rifle. The bayonet has a fullered blade measuring 24.2 cm (overall length 36.5 cm), with wooden grips secured by the original factory method of circular nut-and-bolt fasteners ground flush, steel crossguard with muzzle ring, and birds-head pommel.
The ricasso is struck with Siamese script “ร ศ ๑๒๑” (R.S. 121), denoting adoption in Rattanakosin Sok year 121 (1903 CE). The pommel bears the rack number “๒ ๙๑๙” (2919) in Siamese numerals. Accompanied by its original steel scabbard, marked at the throat with a Siamese character and featuring the distinctive depression unique to Siamese production, allowing the scabbard to remain attached while the bayonet is fixed to the rifle.
Historical Note:
Siam (modern Thailand) employed its own calendrical system for official designations. The Rattanakosin Sok (R.S.) calendar began with the founding of Bangkok in 1782. Thus, R.S. 121 corresponds to 1903 in the Gregorian calendar. In 1913, Siam shifted to the Buddhist Era (B.E.) calendar, which runs 543 years ahead of the Western system, so B.E. 2445 also equates to 1903. Accordingly, the R.S. 121 bayonet became known as the Type 45, taking its designation from B.E. 2445.
In 1903, Siam ordered 40,000 rifles and bayonets based on the Mauser system. With German factories overburdened by German and Turkish contracts, the order was licensed to Japan and produced at the Imperial Japanese Army Arsenal at Tokyo (Koishikawa). The Type 45 bayonet was notable as the first Mauser bayonet conforming to the M1904 pattern. Consequently, the Siamese Type 45 and German M1904 bayonets are interchangeable — a significant detail in the evolution of early 20th-century Mauser bayonet design.
The present example illustrates this unique blend of influences: German Mauser design, Japanese manufacture, and Siamese service. Its legible R.S. 121 ricasso marking and rack-numbered pommel firmly root it in Siamese issue, while the scabbard’s distinctive throat feature confirms its originality.
*Condition*
Blade with light service wear, old sharpening, and patina. Crossguard and pommel with areas of pitting and age staining, markings clear and legible. Wooden grips aged but secure, retaining their original factory fasteners. Scabbard with consistent patina, light surface oxidation, and intact throat stamp; depression correctly shaped. Overall, an authentic and complete example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMHOXAFO_6997213959
