In the present context of COVID-19, I have plenty of time to visit my safe...
Here's pretty awkward copy of FN 1900 with its weird/funny legend, likely made in Pakistan or China
I made its acquisition namely because of the interesting marking on the rear grip strap
Subject marking represents (Symbol): Charkra 1 5 4 7 Charkra
Expert and author of books on Siamese adopted weapons, Francis C. Allan, confirmed this pistol is known as a Thai Type 44 Gor semi-auto pistol.
I asked him the following questions, for which I then received generous answers:
1 -When you refer to Siamese, is it to military or police forces?
2 -What is the meaning of the two "charkra" on both sides of the « 1547 » markings?
3 -What is your estimation in quantity of "small numbers" of subject pistols?
4 -When were they acquired by Siam, and from what country (China?)
Here is the reply "Frank" sent me regarding questions I had about it:
" Thanks for your message. It is always fun to converse with collectors regarding Siamese/Thai weapons. Let me answer your questions in the order that you asked:
1) This pistol was used by Royal Siamese Army officers.
2) Here is my write up in the book covering this marking:
The Charkra is an image of a mythological throwing weapon with flaming blades. The use of the charkra is common in Southeast Asia, particularly in Siam/Thailand. It is pronounced “chuk or zuk” in English. The use of the Charkra throughout the Siamese, and later Thai, military was ,and is today, extensive, but it appeared in many somewhat different forms, with variations in the number of flaming blades, the direction of the blades’ seeming movement, and often the images appearing in the center of logos dominated by the Charkra. The simple small 6-bladed Charkra as used on this pistol is probably the most common form. It has been seen on weapons from 1860s through the early 1900s. It is possible that this property stamp was applied long after the weapons entered service in some army-wide application during an inventory.
3) No way to know how many were purchased. Records have long since been lost. I doubt more than a few hundred.
4) The pistols were purchased from simple commercial importers operating in Siam.
A few more words are in order. These pistols were purchased by the RTA and issued to officers. At their retirement, the officers were allowed to purchase their weapons. This is the same process that exists today in most law enforcement organizations. Once thus surplused by the RTA, the retired officer fell under civilian jurisdiction and was required to register the weapon. That is the number (1547) you see between the Charkra property stamps. It is not a Police notation as is often stated, but simply the number assigned by the police to the registered weapon.
If you have any other questions please let me know.
BTW, if I ever re-print/update the Siamese Mauser book, which contains a section on other Siamese/Thai weapons including handguns is it ok is use one or two of you pictures? I only have a generic picture of the Type 44 Gor there now. Thanks.
Frank"
(Note: Of course, I gave him permission to use my pictures)
The pistol is not functional, the trigger spring being likely broken. As regards the magazine, it does not hold perfectly in place.
For your appreciation, fellow FN collectors.
Here's pretty awkward copy of FN 1900 with its weird/funny legend, likely made in Pakistan or China
I made its acquisition namely because of the interesting marking on the rear grip strap
Subject marking represents (Symbol): Charkra 1 5 4 7 Charkra
Expert and author of books on Siamese adopted weapons, Francis C. Allan, confirmed this pistol is known as a Thai Type 44 Gor semi-auto pistol.
I asked him the following questions, for which I then received generous answers:
1 -When you refer to Siamese, is it to military or police forces?
2 -What is the meaning of the two "charkra" on both sides of the « 1547 » markings?
3 -What is your estimation in quantity of "small numbers" of subject pistols?
4 -When were they acquired by Siam, and from what country (China?)
Here is the reply "Frank" sent me regarding questions I had about it:
" Thanks for your message. It is always fun to converse with collectors regarding Siamese/Thai weapons. Let me answer your questions in the order that you asked:
1) This pistol was used by Royal Siamese Army officers.
2) Here is my write up in the book covering this marking:
The Charkra is an image of a mythological throwing weapon with flaming blades. The use of the charkra is common in Southeast Asia, particularly in Siam/Thailand. It is pronounced “chuk or zuk” in English. The use of the Charkra throughout the Siamese, and later Thai, military was ,and is today, extensive, but it appeared in many somewhat different forms, with variations in the number of flaming blades, the direction of the blades’ seeming movement, and often the images appearing in the center of logos dominated by the Charkra. The simple small 6-bladed Charkra as used on this pistol is probably the most common form. It has been seen on weapons from 1860s through the early 1900s. It is possible that this property stamp was applied long after the weapons entered service in some army-wide application during an inventory.
3) No way to know how many were purchased. Records have long since been lost. I doubt more than a few hundred.
4) The pistols were purchased from simple commercial importers operating in Siam.
A few more words are in order. These pistols were purchased by the RTA and issued to officers. At their retirement, the officers were allowed to purchase their weapons. This is the same process that exists today in most law enforcement organizations. Once thus surplused by the RTA, the retired officer fell under civilian jurisdiction and was required to register the weapon. That is the number (1547) you see between the Charkra property stamps. It is not a Police notation as is often stated, but simply the number assigned by the police to the registered weapon.
If you have any other questions please let me know.
BTW, if I ever re-print/update the Siamese Mauser book, which contains a section on other Siamese/Thai weapons including handguns is it ok is use one or two of you pictures? I only have a generic picture of the Type 44 Gor there now. Thanks.
Frank"
(Note: Of course, I gave him permission to use my pictures)
The pistol is not functional, the trigger spring being likely broken. As regards the magazine, it does not hold perfectly in place.
For your appreciation, fellow FN collectors.
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