Krag Carbine Scabbard?

[Rancho113]

Well the scabbard that I hung on the wall was just assumed to fit an old hunting rifle. After posting pics and finding out about the '99 Krag carbine we had inherited, Jon N. said that the 1902 hand guard had the hump on it to protect the rear sights after the military ordered the saddle ring be removed from that year's model. Jon had said scabbards were used from that point on. This one has the name LAWRENCE and letters S.M.G. stamped in it. Well, I'm looking up at the wall.....hmmm. Sure enough, the carbine fit pretty good in that old leather. Take a look:

Information

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[RT Ellis]

Rifle Scabbard Model 1904 for the Rifle caliber-.30 Model 1903. Manufactured by George Lawrence Co., Portland, Oregon on 1917-18 Ordnance Department contract. Lawrence also manufactured Saddle Model 1904 (cavalry), Saddle Artillery, and Rifle Sling Model 1907.

Super nice condition scabbard, these are usually well used, incomplete (missing original straps), and the toe worn and unstitched. Since your scabbard was intended for the slightly larger dimension Rifle Model 1903 it should easily accommodate the Carbine Model 1896 and later model carbines, however you will find that the scabbard is longer than needed.

The so-called "saddle ring" on the Carbine caliber-.30 M1896 was for a Carbine Sling that attached the carbine to the soldier in lieu of a sling. A rifle scabbard, that went though a few changes, was issued throughout the mounted service of the various models of the carbine. The later model carbines omitted the sling ring and bar.

[Rancho113]

RT.... Thanks. That's a lot of info. It sounds as though you wrote the book. I'm glad to hear that it is a military issue scabbard. The '99 does fit down low, I'll check the fit of my '03 as well. Any idea what the S.M.G. stand for? They are also stamped on the ends of the straps. Any idea on value? (not for sale though)
Thanks again. I appreciate the your help.

[RT Ellis]

"S.M.G." is the initials of the inspector. I was unable to identify the man by name from my source materials, which I have collected in the process of researching for a book on material not related to horse equipment.

With a scabbard in this condition a Rifle Model 1903 will be a tight fit, so go easy you don't want to tear any stitching.