Krag Carbine Help..........(Pics)

[target-panic]

I now own this Carbine......

I made the purchase tonight !!! He is going to dig out all of his Grandfather's old "Service Papers" and Spanish American War Medals & give me copies and photos. I'll post updates as I find out more information.

Two weeks ago I didn't know a Krag from a hole in the ground........I still don't, but I know a hell of a lot more than when I started.

By the way........I measured the barrel as Chuck suggested and it's exactly 22", I checked the front sight and there is no silver solder of any kind, just blue on blue, and I checked under the trapdoor in the butt plate, and there is a single round hole, with three small holes drilled in the far end.

Thanks to everyone who helped me out ..........The internet and these forums really allow a sharing of knowledge that really wasn't possible in the past........and in my case sparked a new interest.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[chuck in idaho]

Early 1896 carbine receivers were stamped "1895". I have s/n 26258 stamped "1895" The cartouche was stamped on the stock as a final acceptance stamp when the weapon was finished and had passed all tests.
The `96 carbine sights were not finished until early 1896 (IIRC) With that in mind "1895" stamped carbine receivers should have a "JSA/1896" cartouche.

Bolt Bits= all the parts attached to the bolt body i.e. extractor, sleeve etc.

Chuck

[chuck in idaho]

Yes, that information applys to your carbine. Model 1896 receivers were stamped "1895" "1896" and "MODEL 1896" They were all considered MODEL 1896 Krags.

Chuck

[wayne10]

George, buy the gun. There are also other ways to gain information on that weapon.

Wayne

[5MadFarmers]

Congrats!

Rock Island's September Premier catalogues just arrived today. Page 259 of book two has serial 28,645. Pretty close to your new rifle. The lots are probably up in the online catalogue, if not they will be. Lot #3513.

Again, congrats.

[m1903rifle]

Is it possible for the 1892 bolt to be correct for this carbine since it is one of the early ones?

[5MadFarmers]

Is it possible for the 1892 bolt to be correct for this carbine since it is one of the early ones?

Not likely.

The knurling on the bolts was stopped on June 15th of 1895. A year is a long long time.

All the 1896 carbines earlier than that in my database have straight 1896 bolts. Note that the carbine in this thread has the extractor screw still also. Well, it's pretty much all 1892 bits.

I noted the trigger hung in early 1892 style. Another look at the pictures confirms that it has the early cocking piece.

That bolt is worth more than the "correct" 1896 would be. If you trade that bolt for an 1896, you should also receive some cash. It has some rare 1892 parts.

25K 1892s
80K 1896s.

Math works in your favor. Especially given that they rebuilt most of the 1892s and changed the bolts out. 1892 bolts are rare, 1896 bolts are not.

Cheers.

[chuck in idaho]

Glad the deal worked out. Now the interesting part begins, researching the history that goes along with that carbine. Please keep us updated.
Chuck

[jon_norstog]

Glad the deal worked out. Now the interesting part begins, researching the history that goes along with that carbine. Please keep us updated.
Chuck

target,

I'll second that. The gun is a nice one, but in this case the story may be even better. Who was your friend's grandfather? What unit was he in? Looks like Cuban service. Did he leave any letters or a diary?

jn

[target-panic]

target,

I'll second that. The gun is a nice one, but in this case the story may be even better. Who was your friend's grandfather? What unit was he in? Looks like Cuban service. Did he leave any letters or a diary?

jn

Out of respect for his family, I'd rather not post his name on a public forum. Not sure what harm it would do, but just in case.........I'll refrain....

He served in the 34th Mich. Infantry Company "M", but I'm told by his grandson that according to his pension records he also served in at least one Cavalry unit........I'll believe it when I see it in writing. Although he does have an old service photo of him mounted on a horse. The grandson has opened up access to me to copy or photograph anything that he has, and as soon as I get a chance I will. There are a bunch of Medals, and I'm sure that they will help me piece this story together. It may be wishful thinking on my part, but I am quite certain that he was in Cuba during the period that this carbine would have been used. I also am told that he served in the Phillipines (SP?) I know sometimes family lore gets streached a bit, so I'll keep plugging away and see what I can verify. I do know for a fact though that this carbine has been tucked away in the back of a closet for many years! That's kind of cool all by itself.

He was also a member of a group called the "Hannah Rifles", but I've not been able to find out much about them on the internet.

I've also been talking with some members of this forum who've been a great help so far, and may be able to help me find information going forward.

I think I'll keep this thread going and update it with new information as I find it. If anyone has any suggestions for sources of information, please shoot me a P.M. and I'll check it out.

Thanks!
Geo....