M1896 Krag circa 1897

[dynotech]

Hello,

Please see me intro post in the 1903 forum here: https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=39320

I have a Krag a friend is willing to sell me and what I know so far is it built in 1897 SN 65189

It has a missing screw on the barrel band some odd looking marks and wear on the barrel, missing a chuck of wood on the hand guard, and no "C" marks visible on the rear sight. Here are some pics: beware I only cropped so they are large but wanted to leave the max resolution.






















Thanks,
Dyno

Information

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[JOHN42768]

Hi, The 1896 rifle would have a Jun. 1897 DOB. The missing screw on the upper band you should be able to find assuming the threads are ok to replace it. The front sight blade is a replacement of some sort. The rear sight would only have a "C" if used on a carbine. The rear sight is a 1902. It would have had a original 1896 at birth. Sights were changed for many reasons. If you are planning to restore then you would also need to replace the handguard. The chip is not real bad as the guard doesn't appear to be cracked. There is also some wood missing between the bolt handle and the magazine gate. I can't read the cartouche, but it is the correct stock. What is the condition of the bore and rifling? Are you looking to use as a shooter or collector? Have fun, John

[dynotech]

Bore looks good rifling well defined. I wouldn't mind a shooter but it's more important to me to have a correct peice. The treads on the upper barrel band are not so good. The asking price is 1000.00 but I think I could make a lower offer.

[gsimmons]

J DeChristopher has the parts you would need have a look.

[dynotech]

Would 800.00 be a fair price for this peice?

[JOHN42768]

Hi, Take a look at Gunbroker, Auction Arms, Guns America under Krag. Also ebay and Krag Collector Assoc. on the parts. I would estimate the parts to make it "as original issued" would run around 250-350. The hand guard being the most expensive part. There are some '96's listed on the sites. Remember it is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. John

[dynotech]

Thank you all for your responses. Again, this find is a disappointment. I was really looking to add these pieces I don't have in my collection. I am willing to pay for correct but it really takes expertise and I am glad I had I had the opportunity and this site. These are not correct and complete and that is the prices being asked.

On the Krag I am willing pay up to 600.00 max. 500 would be better.

[jon_norstog]

Dyno,

That is a pretty decent-looking rifle, as it is. The late-model sight and handguard were upgrades most likely performed at the arsenal. My own thought is a Krag is "correct" if it was modified in-service, either at the arsenal or in the field. Conversely, if you restore it to "correct" 1896 condition it becomes kind of a fugazi.

If I were looking for an original shooter, I'd definitely pay $6-700 for that one. It saw service in the Spanish American War, at least 50-50 it was in Cuba, perhaps the Philippines and/or China as well.

jn

[dynotech]

After consideration and the fact that this piece is real and mostly correct and surely saw service I made an offer of 700.00 and it was accepted. I am now the proud owner of some real American history. I plan to look for parts. There is a place not far from me called Numrich Gun Parts Corporation one of these days I want to go down there as I also want parts for my m1 garand. I also will check out J DeChristopher. As Jon pointed out the history alone is well worth it.

Thanks for all the feedback guys,
Dyno

PS the seller was really happy with what I learned about both pieces and now wants me to look at a couple of mausers. I am sure I will be posting about them soon!

[gsimmons]

Glad you got the rifle, it is an interesting piece.