Item:
ONSV21TGS96

Original U.S. Antique Springfield Model 1896 .30-40 Krag-Jørgensen Rifle Serial No. 85457 - Made in 1897

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice later production (1897) Springfield Krag-Jørgensen M1896 Rifle, the standard U.S. Long arm of the time. It measures was 49 inches (1,200 mm) in overall length weighing 9.3 pounds with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel. The The Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen rifle is a Norwegian-designed bolt-action rifle that was adopted in 1892 as the standard United States Army military longarm, chambered in U.S. caliber .30-40 Krag. All versions and variants were manufactured under license by the Springfield Armory between 1892 and 1903 and famously served as the longarm during the Spanish–American War. Although Krags were popular, unique and efficient, the side loading gate mechanism was slow and cumbersome to reload in combat compared to the clip loaded Spanish Mausers the Krag was up against.

The M1896 rifle differs from the earlier M1892 version, in that the magazine cut-off operates in down position and a three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. It also had an improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances to give better accuracy when compared to its predecessor.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

U.S.
MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 85457

Research reveals that serial number 85457 dates the time of manufacture to the second half of 1897, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver fitted with a correct 1896 pattern rear sight. These are very desirable as a U.S. military service rifle as most of these rifles saw heavy use in the Spanish-American War and early 1900s until the development of the M1903 rifle.

Condition is very good, with a lightly worn patina to the metalwork, while the bolt is still mostly the original bright steel. The stock and handguard are in good condition, and have a nice aged walnut color, though there definitely is service wear with some dents and gouges on the left fore stock. Otherwise the condition is really quite nice, with a lovely color. The original stock cartouche on the left is faded to just a "ghost", however the the stylized "P" overpressure proof under the wrist is still clearly visible.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape. Action works smoothly and all components have a nice finish, with slight oxidation on the bright areas. Bore shows lands and grooves, with a mostly bright finish, though the lands are definitely worn. Probably rates a 7 out of 10.

A very nice example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber:  .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine

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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles