My 1896 Krag

This is my Krag and some period goodies. This rifle had a home made copper front sight blade similar in appearance to the Marbles blades with a rounded top and ivory bead. The magazine did not function at all. I stripped it down and found the spring was not installed properly. It works great now. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but, but the gun is in very good condition and the bore looks fantastic. The stock does not have a cartouch but does have a number and fancy P in a circle. I do not believe the stock has been sanded. I suspect it never had a cartouch. It has a 1902 rear sight. The serial number is 105528. I would appreciate any research information anyone might have on this rifle. Thanks

nice collection, and the Krag looks sharp as well.

It isn't unusual to be missing the cartouche. They had replacement stocks that could be used in the field by unit armorers, or it may have got such a stock upon rebuild.

Brit,

that's a nice rifle. It is post-Spanish American War, but could have seen campaign service. Without records you never know.

good luck with it!

jn

I guess it was manufactured near the end of 1898 and after the war ended?

Actually, no. Made approx the end of June of 1898, according to Poyer. Seems to be some murkiness to the production figures at that time as he shows serial #101,396 being the serial # that month ended with, but a more definitive book will be available soon. The first model 1898 was completed on July 8th of 1898, around serial #109,000. So, yours is 3412 ahead of that, and at that time they were making 280 per day, so 12-13 days before July 8th, yours was completed. In time for SAW service, you might wish to ask for a Springfield Research Service (SRS) check here, on Culver's Krag Forum, on the Krag Collectors Association Forum.

Thanks I will :) Since the photos were taken I have located an original muzzle cover, some vintage ammo and another belt. The new belt is a khaki colored piece with wire keepers and two small wire loops for a cast type "H" buckle. I have a repro sling and action cover. I also have a very good original M1887 type 2 sling but it's on the M1888 Springfield :)