BSA & Co’ SMLE No’I Mk III for Siam Tigers………(F 1273)

BSA contract SMLE Rifle for Wild Tiger Corps of Siam

Produced under contract by BSA for the King of Siam in the early 1920’s this rifle is almost identical to any other British service SMLE Mk III* with some minor differences.  Companies like BSA would take orders from foreign friendly governments and this one consisted of 10,000 pieces with bayonets.  Usually the Siamese contract rifles are to say the least “a bit rough”.  They endured particularly hard service in the wet jungles of that far away place.  Consequently the rifles are usually very bad but this is the exception to the rule and it does not show any signs of refinishing on the metalwork.  I have seen stocks on these weapons that I wouldn’t even chuck in the wood pile; this one is totally different! The exact opposite – more of a display piece.  One can only imagine that this particular rifle was a palace guard weapon and didn’t ever venture out into the jungle!

King Vajiravudh and the Wild Tiger Corps

Mostly of military specification with minor differences.  OAL  45″.  The round blued barrel which is totally covered is a nominal 25″.  The Pull to center is 13.5/8″,  The rifle is built to Mk III* specifications, except it has the “D-shaped” cocking piece. Standard action with loading bridge and clip guide.  Scalloped dip in action wall to aid pushing home the rounds. Bolt safety mounted on the rear LHS of the action. Bolt arm numbered with serial number; “G10705”  The number on the receiver ring is in Thai numerals; translated it means “1702”  Close but no cigar !  If one removes the short hand guard between the rear sights and the receiver the “1702” has been stamped into the replacement South African barrel.  The top flat of the barrel shows the crossed rifles S.A. mark of South African production, and the “U” South African proof mark.  Another giveaway to the replacement barrel, is the flat form of the muzzle – classically South African.  Over both markings are modern Nitro UK proofmarks for 2009; in effect a new barrel in SMLE terms.

The serial numbers does not appear to be repeated anywhere else on the rifle.  The wrist socket is clearly marked on the RHS with the Smiling Tiger and other Thai markings that are related to the date and ownership of the King. The LHS simply has B.S.A. & Co’ under the safety catch.  In reference to other stocks seen on the Thai contract SMLE’s this has to be a replacement unit – its just too good ! It was clearly made after the dial sight was dropped as there is no trace of such a fitting.  However there is a swelling and flattening where that unit would have been in past production.  What is interesting is the attention to detail in the wooden blanking of any open drillings on the stock. The work of the same around the front trigger guard fixing is very good – way above average or “the norm.” This results in a very attractive looking weapon with a fantastic bore, the kind of impossible that folk often ask for in a classic rifle !

All fittings are strongly blued.  The butt-plate is brass with a trap for a cleaning bottle and pull through (a/f)  The rifle also benifits (for us ape creatures) from having been fitted with a long butt-stock as marked with an “L” on the upper surface just infront of the butt-plate.  The rear sight guard has flat outer faces.  Rear sight graduated from 200 to 2000 yards with no winadge adjustment.  Front sight guarded, bayonet stud under. Ten shot detachable box magazine.  Overall this rifle is in superb condition if not entirely original, but the end result is quite stunning.  Stock refinished with high gloss finish some mild scratching under the fore-end. Twin sling swivels and stacking hook.  Hinged mid band.  A rifle that is difficult to fault.

FAC Required  –  Stock No’ F 1273

£ 1250.

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