Model 1898 Krag Infantry…………….. (F 980) SOLD
Created on March 17th 2022
Fine Springfield Krag Model 1898 Rifle
A fine example of the Springfield Model 1898 full length Infantry Rifle. Serial number 452690. Chambered in .30-40 with a side loading 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. 452690.” This serial number put production between April and May of 1903.
The underside of the wrist is clearly marked with a circled “P” final proof mark and above it a small “46” an armoury sub inspectors mark. On the LHS of the wrist is the boxed Script “JSA / 1903” for J. Sumner Adams who finally inspected the rifle. It is a superbly clear and crisp original cartouche. As the serial number data matches the cartouche we can be fairly sure that this is the original stock. On the same side of the butt is a rack number in blue paint of “364”, each digit is 1.18″ tall. Blue suggests the Navy and rifles each side of this serial number were know to be used by the Navy (from records). Definition of the stock, like high edges and finger grooves, is still sharp meaning the stock has not been sanded although it is extremely smooth over its surface. Colour is also even. An over barrel hand-guard surrounds the rear sight.
Colour on action and barrel is still fairly strong with a strong hint of case colour hardening about the action and side-plate. Bolt body and straight bolt arm are finished in the white with the balance blued or case colour hardened. Mushroom shaped cocking piece and flag safety to the rear of bolt. Side loading gate spring very strong and snaps back into place as 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 is still finished in the original blued finish with a strong degree of colour turning slightly to plumb brown. Twin sling swivels and stacking hook. The front band also comprises of the bayonet mounting lug.
Excellent rear sight designed on the sliding ramp principle graduated from 200 to 2000 yards. Also fitted with positive windage adjustment. Fine graduations also make this process easier on the top surface. The rear face of the cross bar is cross hatched to reduce glare whilst in use. Open but finely machined “U”-notch aiming point which compliments the fine unguarded front sight and make accurate shooting of this already accurate rifle more of a pleasure.
The flat steel butt-plate has a trap for the storage of the cleaning gear issued with the rifle, which is present within. This consists of a three piece screw-together steel cleaning rad assembly and a nickel steel small oiler, complete with “dabber.” These ancillaries are hard to find so it is even more pleasing to find them in the rifle. Also attached to the rifle is the correct russet coloured 1898 pattern leather military sling with the double claw brass fittings, sporting some degree of Verdigris. It is possible in the right light to spot the “ROCK ISLAND / 1903” makers stamping plus other including “E.H.S.” and even a soldiers attempt to personalise it himself. This was the first year the R.I.A stamped their leather goods – so its an early one! I would not advise shooting with this sling it is too valuable as a genuine collectors piece to damage. Single shot and magazine feed selection switch to rear LHS of action – functioning fine.
The rifle is also equipped with its Model 1892 bayonet and steel scabbard both in fine condition. Mauser type birds head fixing. Twin flush rivets fix the American Walnut grips, themselves in fine condition. The ricasso is marked “U.S.” on one side and dated 1899 on the obverse. The steel single edged blade is 11.5/8″ long with rounded point and single wide fuller on each side. The bayonet has remained un-altered. The blade being finished as polished steel with mild greying to finish but this does not detract at all. The spring within the scabbard is still firm, the scabbard has a shallow dent to one side – just signs of a military life. Ball tip pierced for drainage. Birnie wire keeper for belt attachment. A superb bayonet and scabbard set in itself.
To sum-up you have a complete rifle set here in one purchase; Rifle Bayonet, scabbard, and cleaning equipment. Fair bore with darkening grooves, complete but soft rifling with no pitting on the lands. Yes, its used but think of the history this rifle has seen. The Krag itself was only in front line service for a period of 15 years but served 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 in any serious rifle collection and a novelty of design.
Stock No’ F 980
£ 2055. SOLD
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