98 Krag - Help on value

I have the opportunity to buy this 98 Krag with serial number 288XXX. Comes back as 1900 manufacture. Barrel is very good except for several inches midway that is a little rough. But shouldn't affect shootability. Small piece of wood missing between bolt handle and loading gate. Stock seem otherwise original in good shape. Inspector cartouche is dated 1902. Does that indicate it's a replacement as serial number suggest 1900. Condition appears to me to be consistent with many Krags.

Has P proof mark and 44 in front of trigger guard. What does 44 mean? Unit.

Curious as to opinions for fair value. I want to buy below market but make a reasonable offer.

Input would be appreciated.

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Too bad you just missed the carbine serial numbers. I don't get any hits for 288825, not even that close. The damage you have in the wood is normal, that is, we see it enough. Too bad though. I'd suspect your wood and metal have been matched up at a later date than the factory. That's not unusual either... Still, nice rifle.

'Dalebert': The small '44' is likely the stamp of a stock fitter, worker, or sub-inspector. As you surmise, this Krag's stock was switched at some point.

When Krags came back to Springfield for 'rebuild' type work, they were taken apart. Satisfactory parts got checked, worked on, refurbished, probably went into bins, before being put back together into satisfactory arms. Its unlikely a rebuilt Krag would end up with its original wood.

IMHO - I would value this model 1898 Krag at around $500 (the stock needs some wood restoration and by your description the bore has some issues). It should spruce up to be a good shooter.

Butt looks to have a smidge of mildew on it...

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Since I have a thread going, can someone identify these rifles for me. Sorry for bad pics, but that's what my boy sent me. Maybe a buying opportunity.

Thanks.

Second one looks like a commission '88 rifle...

So does the the first. Hard to tell for sure, but the cocking piece and the integral trigger guard/clip well are pretty distinctive. Looks like the bolt handle was maybe bent down at some point as it does not look factory, maybe. Rearsight looks to be missing too, but really hard to tell.

Ed