Springfield Model M1898.

[eZAK]

Would the rifle be worth more with a 1898 marked bayo?

I think the sling it has now is a M1907 (2) piece

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Would the rifle be worth more with a 1898 marked bayo?

No. Many don't care about the bayonet at all. You just don't understand what I said previously do you?

[butlersrangers]

'eZAK' - Your father's Krag rifle, #450777, is a U.S. model 1898 rifle, that was assembled around April or May of 1903.

It is quite possible it was given to him for some type of 'Guard Duty' in the U.S.A., during WW2. (He would have gotten a better arm, if he had been mobilized to invade Japan).

Krag bayonets are not hard to find. They were not 'matched' by date with U.S. rifles.

A Krag bayonet will not increase the value of your rifle by any more than the actual value of the bayonet.

A very nice Krag bayonet, with scabbard, should sell for around $125 to 150 USD. (A sharpened blade, pitting rust, poor grips, dented scabbard, or broken hanger greatly lowers the value). Caution - Never buy a Krag bayonet that has a leather 'picket pin holder' for a 'scabbard'. The U.S. Army never did such a thing!

It is likely that your Krag has the model 1902 or model 1901 rear-sight.

I would recommend you purchase "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine", by Joe Poyer (North Cape Publications). This 300 page, paper bound book sells for around $20. There is a ton of information and quality photographs that you will enjoy. Krag accessories are described in good detail.

Decent reproduction Krag slings can be purchased for around $25. The Krag slings should be around 65 inches total length and was intended as a 'carry strap'. (Trapdoor Springfield slings are too long, at 72 inches).

For competitive shooting, the U.S model 1907 leather sling (reproduction or original) is the best choice. It can serve as a 'shooting sling'.

A good source of original Krag parts is 'movieman630' (also called 'Grampa's gun parts) on ebay. S&S Firearms, Glendale, N.Y., has some original and reproduction items. Their catalog is viewable on-line.

Cornell Publications - Brighton, Mich. (cornellpubs.com) has a $17 reprint of the 1917 U.S. Ordnance Manual for the model 1898 Krag which is useful.

(Photos - Krag 1901 sight, Krag 1902 sight, and Krag schematic)

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