Unknown Mauser

[jplonghunter]

Thought I had seen all variations,but this one has me stumped. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Has dust cover like the Arisaka. Crest is very small with pyramid encircled . Hinged trigger guard. Cocks on close like Swede.

[Larryjk]

I can't identify the markings but what is the bolt face size? It could be a Siamese Mauser. They were chambered for some type of rimmed cartridge and I have often seen them rebarreled to the 45-70. Have one here right now I have to change the bolt handle on and the "crest is covered by the scope mount. It is a 45-70.

[Gil Martin]

The original caliber was 8x50Rmm using a 237 grain bullet and in 1923 was changed to 8x52Rmm using a 181 grain bullet. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

[Jack]

My first thought was the Siamese Mauser, too. However, I thought the Siamese was a 98, which cocks on opening.
I must say, I haven't seen a Siamese since about the time Gil was born. . . . .

[Larryjk]

Jack and jplonghunter, The Siamese I have here cocks on opening and doesn't look like modification has occurred. I have the Mauser book on the rifles and I will take time to look up what they say about the Siamese and report back sometime this week.

[Larryjk]

Curiosity got me and I needed answers now. I googled Siamese Mausser Rifles and found all kinds of information. The main referral was the DeHass book on Bolt Action Rifles. It states the Siamese Mauser cocked on opening. YOu may have a rare variation since many of the actions were made in the Tokyo aresenal and their Type 38 Arisaka is a cock on closing. Apparently, there was a lot of variation in that rifle.

[Jack]

The Arisaka also had a bolt cover. Most of the bolt covers were thrown away by the troops as soon as they got in the field, because the bolt covers rattled. I've seen lots of Arisakas over the years, but very few with bolt covers.