What can you tell me at my new Krag?

Hi all, new to these so do not know too much.

On the wood I have no Date cartouche, but on the area below the trigger I have the script "P" (same one I've seen on other examples).

What does that mean?
Refurbished replacement stock??
Stock looks old, but well oiled - small crack in hand guard...

Serial No. 61969 - Model 1896 - that not the yr of manufacture right?

Very nice looking rifle in full military configuration as far as I can tell from the net.

Any specifics I should look for - is there other serials no.s? where should I look

thanks

JP

Hi, Your serial number indicates a production date of May, 1987. This would be fine for a Model 1896. Rifle barrel will be 30". The receiver is the only serial number stamping. The stylized P in a circle is the proof mark. You should see a letter, number behind the guard and between the P. Cartouche could be worn down or sanded ??? The rear sight originally was the 1896, but a lot of upgrades did occur over time. Front sight should be mortised in place. Do you have any books on the Krag? A relatively inexpensive one is "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine" by Joe Poyer. The are others, but get expensive fast. Without photos it is hard to judge. Go through the threads here and check out the photos and threads at Krag Collector Assoc. websight. John

Jon - I also own a very similar 1896 rifle. The "missing" date cartouche has been made note of several times over the years, and usually on 1896 model rifles. The 1896's were widely issued and used in the field, whereas a later 1898 probably was not. I'm sure many of the earlier rifles required arsenal repairs and parts replacement. I think (but don't really know) that the original cartouche could have been removed as part of the process. Or, a replacement stock might not have received this stamp. I havn't found any references really addressing the particulars of rebuild processes at the turn of the century. Feel free to post photos, it might get more comment on this point. Regards.

Jon-Paul,

I would guess your rifle is an arsenal refurb, probably post-Spanish American War. Arsenal replacement stocks usually lacked the cartouche. It's possible yours was simply sanded out, but it would take more sanding than most bubbas are willing to do.

A common arsenal refurb combination is a replacement stock and a 1901 sight. Its the one with a lever securing the windage adjustment and a little tiny peep sight stuck between the legs of the sight ladder.

Most likely your rifle went on campaign. You might try a SAS check to see if there are any records for that S/N, what unit it was issued to.

Don't forget to take it out shooting - they love to be shot!

jn