This batch of Phra Somdej Prok Pho was consecrated by Luang Phor Samran in Wat Khao Tak Khrao, Phetburi province in B.E.2513. It was the first time that a Phra Somdej amulet was created and distributed by Wat Khao Tak Khrao. Many famous guru monks of that period were invited to donate their sacred powder and also to bless this batch of Phra Somdej amulets. The most important ingredient in the material was the addition of broken fragments of Somdej Wat Rakhang, on top of broken fragments of other famous amulets from ancient pagodas.
There were various models of Phra Somdej Prok Pho created during the 1st batch but the most popular one was known as “Phim Sadungkap”, where the Lord Buddha’s hands in Maravichai position are reversed as opposed to traditional depictions. This is due to the popular Thai belief that this position will reverse bad fortune into good fortune. There were 2 moulds created for Phim Sadungkap, Yao Yai (large waist) and Yao Lek (small waist), with Yao Yai being popular mould (Phim Niyom) due to the rarity as compared to the more common Yao Lek pieces. Some pieces have a fingerprint behind and some pieces were glazed although there were others that do not have either a fingerprint or glaze.
Phra Somdej Prok Pho Phim Sadungkap has always been a collectible piece among veteran amulet collectors over the years but due to its popularity, there are many imitations even though it is still relatively affordable. Moreover, there were later batches created after B.E.2513 by Wat Khao Tak Khrao which were sold as 1st batch to the novice collectors. The original first batch has a distinct feature not found in later batches known as “Song Kob” (double rim). The name is derived from a clear protruding mould line which is found around all the sides of the amulet.
