Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Mausers and Military Rifles Siamese contract SMLE

I do believe this is a scarce(r) Siamese contract SMLE. My searches online has led me to understand it was likely commissioned in the early 1900’s and intended for Thailand.

Siam was ruled by King Vajiravualh from 1910 to 1925. He educated in Britain, at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1898 and was commissioned briefly in the Durham Light Infantry upon graduation. While at Sandhurst, he became extremely impressed with the SMLE, so much so, he commissioned 10,000 rifles from BSA. The rifles themselves are rather unique, as on the wrist of the rifle is a Tigers Head, which represented “The Wild Tiger Corp”.

I intend to sell this rifle (eventually) and am now looking into prices of existing models but, from what I understand, not many of these "Wild Tiger Corp" rifles remain today. Further adding to the problem, I am confused with this rifle's 'sporterized' stock. Was the rifle originally designed with the classic stock which was then replaced with a sporterized version? I have no idea.

I figure there are plenty of informed experts out there who can help me and provide more background.

Siamese contract SMLE

Not being too familiar with SMLEs, #4s being my fire hydrant, however it has been chopped. In the 50s and 60s (especially) milsurps were not recognized for collectibility, instead they were simply a cheap way to obtain a hunting rifle. A bazillion were chopped up in distributor's shops and on kitchen tables.Unfortunately too many still do the same to these milsurp rifles.

As WTF says, that is a Siamese SMLE, it is probably the original wood, however it has been sporterised, wood cut short and the barrel shortened and fitted with a sporting front sight.

It should look more like this Australian one...



https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C243605

As it stands, it has little or no value to a collector. With the correctly marked wood and metalwork then you have something people would become interested in.

Can't say I am not surprised nor disappointed. That said; thanks for your input. It gives me a good idea on how best to move forward.