Viking Iron Bearded Axehead

Stamped 2642 in Thai numerals at top of blade with 'tiger mask' mark for Siam, together with original British marks, fitted with wood grip scales and spring release button; the scabbard with original throat and chape, modified in Thailand to replace the original leather main section. 726 grams, 58.5 cm



Property of a Luton, UK gentleman, by inheritance.

The Type 62 is a re-badged British Pattern 1907 bayonet. Siam purchased 10,000 SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets from Britain in 1919 to equip the 'Wild Tiger Corps', royal bodyguard of Vajiravudh, King Rama VI (reigned 1910–1925). The tiger figural on the ricasso is representative of the Wild Tiger Corps. Year 2462 on the Buddhist Calendar corresponds to 1919. SMLE rifles and Pattern 1907 bayonets were taken from British stocks, refurbished by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), and remarked with Siamese markings. The bayonets were shipped with standard steel-mounted leather scabbards. However, the leather rapidly deteriorated in the tropical climate, so the Siamese made a replacement steel scabbard body to which the original steel mounts were brazed.

Composed of a flanged and rounded butt, shaped lower edge and convex cutting edge. 688 grams, 16.2 cm



Ex American collection, acquired 1980-200. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

Comprising three mounts with bounding lion motifs, five heart-shaped mounts also showing leaping lions and a plain semi-circular mount; all with mounting lugs to reverse. 67 grams total, 27-52 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.