This is a 1936 dated Mauser one of two hundred that were manufactured as test Lugers for the Thai Government for their Police. Very seldom seen, this known variation is referred to as the Siamese Contract by Walker.  There were reported 100 200mm barreled version sold by Mauser in 1936 and 150 100mm barreled versions dated 1936 and 1937.    (7191)

This piece is a 8  inch (200 mm) barrel, 9 mm Parabellum.   The front sight is serrated and there is the 800m adjustable artillery rear sight in front of the chamber. on the rear toggle link with the last two digits of the serial number appearing on the rear toggle. This model has a hold open latch customary for this model and the customary stock lug.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style.   The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the side of the locking bolt, on the trigger, on the bottom of the barrel, the side plate,  the left side of the receiver, the firing pin,  the rear connecting pin, and on the extractor.

The all matching serial numbers, including the magazine is from the "V" series suffix also known as the first Lugers produced by Mauser.  It is stated that these guns were assembled from DWM parts from the 1930 transition

In 1981 Odin International of Alexandria Virginia brought in a consignment of Lugers that has been authenticated by the Bangkok Government of Thailand as having been purchased from Mauser for their police department.   Unlike the Persian Contract of the same period these Lugers have chamber dates that place their manufacture. Most of the models were 1936 dated. and approximately 42 were 1937 dated. A very desired variation of the artillery. 

Proof marks are Crown over "U" Mauser Oberndorf proof found on the left receiver, and the left of the breechblock characteristic of the early flowing "v" series Mauser Lugers.  The first toggle link is marked with the early Mauser Banner monogram, and there is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link. 

The Droop Winged Eagle 63 which is the same proof found on the 1934 "G" Date Mauser. Proofs are like time stamps that place the gun in production years.

This is an "all matching" Luger, including the magazine.   Under the flowing "V" suffix is the import markings of the Olin Corp of Alexandria Virginia who brought the remaining guns back from Thailand.

This gun is numbered next to the one show in Walkers The Luger Book.

What makes this the Siamese Variation? 

In addition to being within the serial number block advertised for sale there are also additional issue numbers above the lanyard loop.  The first symbol is said to be a stylized lion-head and then the numbers of the gun applied by the Siamese Government.

The magazine is exceptionally clean, and serial number matches the serial number of the gun. It is blued steel magazine with the aluminum bottom.

For the collector this gun presents the dichotomy of collecting. Should the gun which shows wear but is not rusted or pitted by "touched up" by a restorer or just kept in the original condition? Once the gun is yours you can do what you want.  However, this variation, like the '06 Bulgarian is a highly desired piece in any condition.

Rare is used liberally as applied to just about any Luger. The collectors know the rare ones; 1900 Russian, 1904 Navy's, '06 1st Issue Unaltered Navy, Kriegsmarine marked; amongst the Mauser's the Siamese is considered rare in the true meaning of the word.

Close up of the adjustable sight.  Chamber dated 1936 this example represents one of the rarer artillery variations for the collector.

This is one of the finest examples of a 1936 Mauser Banner Siamese Artillery Luger with matching parts, matching magazine, in excellent condition.