Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive and difficult to find original U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag–Jørgensen saddle ring carbine chambered in .30-40 Krag. It retains its correct 22 inch barrel, carbine stock and handguard, saddle ring bar, carbine marked rear sight, and butt trap containing the original three piece cleaning rod.

Interestingly, serial number 33485 falls within the same general serial range as documented Model 1896 Krag carbines associated with the 8th U.S. Cavalry, including known 8th Cavalry issue carbines serial numbers 31146 and 35068. The 8th U.S. Cavalry Regiment was organized in 1866 and earned its early reputation through decades of difficult frontier service in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and across the American West, participating in campaigns against Apache and Comanche forces while protecting settlements, stage routes, and the Mexican border. By the time this Model 1896 Krag carbine was produced, the regiment’s troops were scattered among western posts in Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Following the Spanish-American War, the regiment was concentrated and sent to Cuba in November 1898, where it served with the American occupation forces until 1902. Rather than taking part in the fighting around Santiago, the 8th Cavalry helped restore order and administer civil affairs in the former Spanish province of Puerto Príncipe. The regiment subsequently served in the Philippines, beginning a long history of overseas operations that added to the reputation it had first established during the Indian Wars.

The receiver is stamped, with the markings highlighted in white:

U.S.
1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.
33485

Serial number 33485 falls within U.S. fiscal year 1897 production, which extended from July 1, 1896 through June 30, 1897. The serial number also falls within a recognized early production block associated with Model 1896 carbines.

As this carbine was manufactured before January 1, 1899, it qualifies as an Antique Firearm under current U.S. federal law.

The Krag–Jørgensen was adopted by the United States Army in 1892 and was manufactured under license at Springfield Armory. Chambered for the .30 Army cartridge, more commonly known as .30-40 Krag, it became the first standard U.S. military rifle designed from the outset for smokeless powder.

The Krag’s distinctive five round magazine was loaded through a hinged gate on the right side of the receiver. This allowed individual cartridges to be added while the chamber remained loaded, but it could not be rapidly replenished using a charger or stripper clip. During the Spanish-American War, this became a significant disadvantage when American troops encountered Spanish forces armed with charger loaded Model 1893 Mauser rifles.

The Model 1896 incorporated numerous improvements over the original Model 1892 pattern. Its magazine cutoff operated in the down position, the stock was strengthened, and the original under barrel cleaning rod was replaced by a jointed three piece rod stored in a buttstock compartment. The rear sight was also improved.

The Model 1896 carbine was produced for mounted troops with a 22 inch barrel, shortened stock, and saddle ring attached to a bar on the left side. Model 1896 carbine sights were marked with a C and used range graduations calculated for the shorter barrel. Carbines of this pattern saw service during the Spanish-American War, and the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, popularly remembered as the Rough Riders, was equipped with Model 1896 Krag carbines. 

This carbine retains its correct Model 1896 handguard and Model 1896 rear sight. The sight ladder bears the correct C carbine marking. It also retains its original 22 inch barrel and saddle ring bar with one sliding ring.

The metal remains close to excellent, retaining a substantial amount of its original blued finish. The bolt remains in its original bright steel finish and shows little to no staining.

The stock has a very attractive color and remains in excellent condition overall, with no significant cracks noted. The butt appears to have been extended by approximately one inch which appears to have been arsenal repair as its done beautifully with a small tight seam.

The stock is fitted with the solid, smooth Model 1896 buttplate with curved toe and hinged butt trap. The compartment still contains the original three piece cleaning rod.

A crisp boxed inspection cartouche is present on the left side of the stock behind the saddle ring bar and reads: JSA / 1898

The initials identify J. Sumner Adams, a Springfield Armory inspector associated with Krag production. The 1898 date indicates the year in which the stock or completed arm passed inspection. Because this date is later than the receiver’s approximate fiscal year 1897 serial date, the carbine may have been completed, reinspected, or restocked during 1898. 

The underside of the wrist retains the original stylized P proof marking, indicating that the arm passed its high pressure proof firing inspection.

The bore is in very good condition, retaining clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is only a small amount of overall fouling and very light wear to the lands. The action cycles properly and the carbine appears mechanically functional.

This is a particularly appealing example of one of America’s most desirable early smokeless powder military carbines. Its recognized carbine range serial number, correct 22 inch barrel, saddle ring and bar, C marked Model 1896 sight, cleaning rod compartment, crisp inspection cartouche, and extensive original finish give it strong collector interest despite the noted one inch stock extension.

Specifications

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1897
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: U.S. Model 1896 Carbine
Serial Number: 33485
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: Approximately 41 Inches
Action Type: Bolt Action
Feed System: Five Round Side Loading Magazine
Federal Classification: Antique Firearm

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship these to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.