National Guard Markings

[Aragorn243]

I have a Krag 1898 that appears to be complete and in original condition. Serial number puts production date in the early middle of 1902 and the stock is dated 1902. It does have an 1898 rear sight which seems a bit dated for this later production rifle.

It has what I assume is a national guard marking, a 4 over M.N.G. on the top of the stock directly behind the bolt. On the top of the stock just above the base plate is an L over 28 which I would assume to be a rack number or possibly a unit number.

Sling is old but does not appear to be an original Krag sling but a 1907 of some sort. Only marking on it I can find is a large 158T The metal hooks have two rivets instead of three and look to be made of blued steel rather than brass.

Lots of states that begin with M, any thoughts on which it might once have belonged to? I can't find any info on state markings.

I've had the rifle for 20 years, just pulled it out of the safe this evening to look it over. It has a very nice bore. Inspector proof mark and inspector numbers are clear behind the trigger guard. Bolt has a 6 or a 9 lying on it's side and a S 11 marking under it. Only other mark I have found is a tiny o on the underside of the bolt handle. Condition of the wood is very good, the metal has finish but is greying a bit.

Information

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[andiarisaka]

8 states start with M. Not unusual to find different sights on the rifles. For instance, the 98s issued to the Navy and Marines were first issued with the model 98 sight, then when the hotter ammo it was designed for was recalled, the rifles were equipped with the 1896 sight. They were then recalled in again to have the 1902 sight installed.