Siamese Mauser 1903 .45-70 Govt. 24″ Sporterized Bolt Action Rifle MODERN
SOLD FOR: $1310
LSB#: 210906MB44
Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan. Made as a contract rifle for Siam (Thailand).
Model: 1903. Now a Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: 1509
Year of Manufacture: 1903-1908. ATF MODERN
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Bolt Action, 3 Round Internal Magazine
Markings: The top front of the receiver is marked with the Siamese “Chakra” symbol (spinning, disk-like throwing weapon) and with the Siamese characters for the original model year “1903”. The top rear of the receiver is marked with Siamese characters. The front tang of the bottom metal is marked with the serial number. The left side of the chamber is marked “CAL.-45-70”. The top of the barrel is marked “NAVY ARMS CO: RIDGEFIELD, N.J. U.S.A.”. The rear of the bolt assembly is marked with Siamese characters and “846”. The rear of the buttplate is marked “FAJEN”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead set in a ramped serrated base. The rear sight is a barrel mounted flip up “U” notch blade. It is elevation adjustable. It is marked with small whilte “lines” and a white “diamond”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood sporting stock has a pistol grip with plastic grip cap, bolt handle cut out, raised cheek piece, 2 sling studs, checkering on the grip & forearm, and a plastic serrated buttplate. The grip cap shows small scratches. The wood shows scuffs and a few scrapes. The LOP measures 14 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish as refinished. The receiver and trigger guard have surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs & scrapes. The trigger guard shows scrapes & thinning from aggressive cleaning. The barrel shank shows scratches. The screw heads show moderate use. The older markings are defined. The new markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as finished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Siamese Mauser started life as a Type 46 (Model 1903) over 100 years ago. It was made at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal in Japan as a contract rifle for Siam (Thailand). It has since been customized and is now a Sporting Rifle. It now has a 24 inch barrel installed. The barrel is chambered in .45-70 Government. The 3 round magazine feeds well and the sharp & bright bore should be quite accurate. Good luck.