an original krag finally?

[ssgross]

Were they shipped back to the U.S. for recruit training?
Were they simply stored, as reserve equipment, in Europe?
Did some of these Krags get left in France and become rare collector items?

I'm trying to hypothesize now about that cocking piece. Field expedient maintenance of a worn part from an older rifle being used as parts? By the troops or maintenance by a collector? What does normal wear of a cocking piece look like? Could the sear engagement have become so worn that somebody replaced it?

If only they could talk. My kids and I like playing a dinner game of inventing realistic sounding stories about my old milsurps. Their favorite, which I've posted here about, is a Longbranch No 4 Mk1*, which poor old "Doug" doodled his name upside down and outboard of the butt stock- he put crosses in the D, o, and g. Most stories involve a private Doug falling asleep, lonely on nightwatch in a hole with the rifle in his shoulder. He looks down and uses the tip of a round to doodle his name. Other marks in the stock show poor Doug may indeed have fallen asleep, awaken by surprise by a bayonet slash, which he tried to parry at port arms, leaving rounded gash across the upper handgaurd and forearm where the enemy's muzzle struck. Sorry - daydreaming of these old rifles is just as addictive as working with and shooting them.

[butlersrangers]

'ssgross':

Springfield stopped making the 'headless' cocking-piece because it cost more than the regular one.
The 'headless' cocking-pieces did not get scrapped or disappear. They did get used and reused.
When good parts were being refurbished to rebuild a batch of Krags, (at Armorys, arsenals, or depots), 'headless' cocking-pieces entered the 'mix' of parts. A 'headless' cocking-piece made in 1899, could end up on an action from 1903, during the rebuild process.

[donki1967]

of course I will post pictures as soon as this 1898 gets home.
By the way, he was sent today.
Passionate about history and weapons, I find my happiness among you.
Best regards

[donki1967]

Hi
So the 1898 rifle is at home...it is as in the photos in good condition, a very light cleaning is required.
See you on Sunday for the photos if you wish;
Best regards from France

[donki1967]

I'm a bit late for the pics...Sorry I will try to do it as soon as possible, before winter comes I've got much work in my house.
Regards

[donki1967]

Good morning,
I had time to take some photos outside, the weather is exceptionally good here today.
I hope you will enjoy....
Best regards

[browningautorifle]

some photos outside

Nice clean rifle...looks great.

[donki1967]

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I am very happy with this purchase, and the barrel is NOT new but in good condition.
The US Krag it is certainly the most difficult American military rifle to find in Europe.

[browningautorifle]

Bayonet? Oiler and wiping rod? I settled for a repro oiler and wiping rod because of cost but a bayonet should be available to you if you seek one...

[butlersrangers]

'donki1967' - You have added a very nice Krag to your collection. It should be a fine 'shooter'.

The "N.J." on the 'Butt-Plate Tang' indicates your rifle had some history with the State of New Jersey - National Guard. The " B, 2, and 42" on your stock could be a N.G. markings.

The Sea Girt, N.J., National Guard Rifle-Range was quite the "Hot Bed" of Competitive Shooting in the early 1900's and Site of the first "U.S. National Matches", in 1903.

Some Sea Girt photos from 1904 and 1906 - Maybe your Krag is in them!


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