"He told me he had six of the 30-40 army craig rifles."

[John Beard]

ROAN MOUNTAIN POST OFFICE
THIRD CLASS
W. T. CHRISTIAN, POSTMASTER
ROAN MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE

JOHN L. WHITEHEAD
RURAL LETTER CARRIER
R.F.D. NO. 1

November 23rd, 1936.

Q. M. General
Washington, D. C.

My dear Sir:

I was talking with Mr. C. H. Metcalf, Johnson City Tennessee. Spanish American War Veterian [sic]. He told me that he had six of the 30-40 army craig [sic] rifles. He also instructed me to write you as I was trying to get one. I would like to buy one of these rifles.

I am a government employee, belong to the National Rifle Association. Attended the National Matches Camp Perry, Ohio. [sic] in 1935 and 36.

Will appreciate anything you may do for me in obtaining one of these rifles.

Yours respectfully,

s/s John L. Whitehead

John L. Whitehead

P.S.

Edward L. Shell, a Spanish American War Veteran is also interested in purchasing one. Please give full information in his case. J.L.W.

Information

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[John Beard]

IMM/vn

December 4, 1936.

Mr. John L. Whitehead,
Rural Letter Carrier,
R.F.D. No. 1,
Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

Dear Sir:

Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of November 23, 1936, (file O.O. 400.328/5249 Misc.) addressed to the Quartermaster General and referred to this office for reply with regard to the purchase of a U.S. cal. .30, M1899 Krag-Jorgensen rifle from Mr. C. H. Metcalf, Spanish War Veteran of Johnson City, Tennessee.

The rifle referred to in your letter is an obsolete type of arm and its sale is restricted to Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, contract surgeons, Reserve Officers of the Army who are eligible for assignment, active duty and promotion in time of peace; Reserve Officers of the Navy, Officers of the National Guard, National Guard Reserve and members of the National Rifle Association and enlisted men of the Regular Army upon approval of their Commanding Officer.

Under existing regulations organizations of war veterans composed of honorably discharged soldiers, sailors and marines are permitted to purchase obsolete serviceable rifles for the use of the firing squads of their organizations. No authority exists for the sale of these rifles to individual members of war veterans' organizations.

It is assumed from your letter that the six Krag rifles referred to were issued to a Spanish American War Veterans organization of which Mr. Metcalf is a member.

War Department regulations require that applications from individuals in the restricted classes be accompanied by certificates to the effect that the arms are for their own personal use. However, the sale by the government in each instance is complete without restriction as to title. The purchaser, therefore, has the legal right to dispose of the arm and may convey a good title thereto.

As a member of the National Rifle Association you are entitled to purchase government arms thru [sic] the National Rifle Association. However, the supply of Krag-Jorgensen rifles is exhausted at all ordnance establishments.

It is believed that the information contained herein also covers the case of Mr. Edward L. Shell.

Very truly yours,

A. S. Buyers,
Lt. Col., Ord. Dept.,
Assistant.

[Calif-Steve]

Gotta love it. "The supply... is exhausted"...

[Johnny Peppers]

The Krags were listed for sale through the DCM to NRA members as late as 1931, and were listed under "obsolete arms".