Model 1898 Krag Rifle……………………….. (F 988)
Created on March 31st 2022
A Good Military Model 1898 Krag Rifle
A fine example of the Springfield Model 1898 full length Infantry Rifle. Serial number 476126. Chambered in .30-40 with a side loading 5-shot magazine. Overall the rifle is 49.1/4″ long. The round barrel is 30″ long. Trigger Pull to centre is 13.1/2″. Full length two piece stock in American Black Walnut, with straight wrist and finger grooves in the fore-end. A short hand guard surrounds the rear sight over the barrel. Outer wall of action marked;- “U.S. / MODEL 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMOURY. 476126.” This serial number puts production in the last year of production – November 1903. In fact according to records, this number is above the final recorded number by date but, still within the total number known to be produced. So this is truly one of the last complete rifles produced. The cartouche date is 1903. The bayonet is also matching by date.
The underside of the wrist is marked with a faint, circled “P” final proof mark. On the LHS of the wrist is the boxed Script “JSA / 1903” for J. Sumner Adams who finally inspected the rifle. It is quite faint and not easy to read. As the serial number data matches the cartouche we can be fairly sure that this is the original stock. Rifles each side of this serial number were known to be used by the New Cumberland National Guard 1929 (from records). Stock is extremely smooth over its surface. Colour is an even light brown. All the normal signs of a military life on the surface of the stock but in no way excessively damaged or unsightly.
Colour on action and barrel is fading where blued to brown. Case colour hardened components like action, side plate and loading gate are fading to grey. Bolt body is finished in the white with the balance blued or case colour hardened. “Headless” cocking piece and flag safety to the rear of bolt. Side loading gate spring very strong and snaps back into place when closed. The one drawback of these rifles may have been the inability to load from a clip. This was however countered by easy loading from the Mills cartridge belts the troopers carried. The exposed portion of the barrel turning brown to plumb brown. Twin sling swivels and stacking hook. The front band also comprises of the bayonet mounting lug.
1901 pattern rear sight designed on the sliding ramp principle graduated from 100 to 2000 yards. Also fitted with windage adjustment actuated by releasing a lever at the front which locked the sight into place. Windage graduations at the rear. Open finely machined “U”-notch aiming point which compliments the fine unguarded front sight. Graduations also on side of sight base. The flat steel butt-plate has a trap for the storage of the cleaning gear issued with the rifle – empty. This would consists of a three piece screw-together steel cleaning rod assembly and a nickel steel small oiler, complete with “dabber.” These ancillaries are hard to find. Single shot and magazine feed selection switch to rear LHS of action – functioning fine.
Good but shallow bore with complete defined rifling with signs of usage but no severe pitting. There is life left in the old girl yet…. The Krag itself was only in front line service for a period of 15 years but served on far longer in secondary roles. Considering its age and the fact that they served as late as the first world war it has survived in wonderful condition. An important piece of history in any serious rifle collection and a novelty of design not to be ignored. A good standard unaltered US service rifle from one of the last conflicts involving really skilled riflemen. Where the majority of riflemen with excellent sight and shooting skills could really turn the tide and make a difference.
Also available if required, correct Model 1892 bayonet and scabbard. Birds head profile to handle with walnut grips in good condition with excellent clean blade. Ricasso marked “U.S.” and on the obverse the date “1903”. Spear tip with single flute and cross-guard. Steel blued Type one scabbard with strong retention spring within and belt hook – no dents. Ball tipped scabbard with drainage hole. Fitment to rifle is positive with secure “click” on fitting. Compliments the rifle superbly, brings the overall length when fitted to 60.3/4″. £ 185.
Stock No’ F 988
£ 1665.
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