Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice very early-production (1898) Krag M1898 Rifle, complete with a correct 1902-dated M1892 bayonet. It measures 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 M1898 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 predecessors. The differences over the M1896 were mainly incremental, with changes to the sight and other parts.

Our example is stamped on the receiver:

Research reveals that serial number 114169 dates the time of manufacture to about June of 1898, which is the last month of U.S. fiscal year 1898. Government records indicate that the last serial number made in June 1898 was 116146, so this rifle is definitely considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is unfortunately empty. The handguard meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding the correct M1898 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. Many were later modified / updated with new stocks or sights, but this example shows no signs of having parts replaced, and is totally correct.

Condition is very good with a lightly worn blued finish to the metalwork, while the receiver has become a bit stained and oxidized. The bolt still shows the original bright steel, with just a bit of staining, and the extractor on top still retains a lot of the niter blued finish. The butt plate has a great worn look to it. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and no signs of an arsenal recondition at any point. There are the expected scratches and small dings from service, but this is still really a great stock, with the markings still easily legible. There is a circled stylized P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing. It also has a clear "boxed" stock inspection cartouche that reads JSA / 1898, for J. Sumnar Adams, the Springfield Armory master armorer of the period. Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel are present and in good shape.

The action functions smoothly, with a crisp dry fire, though we have no way to see whether the magazine still feeds. The magazine door opens correctly, and the magazine cutoff is functional, though definitely a bit stiff. We checked the bolt safety, and it is fully functional. The bore is in very good service used condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is definitely evidence of wear to the lands, and the grooves show fowling and oxidation. The rear sight is fully functional, and still retains the "peep" style attachment that can be moved into position on the top of the slider.

The included Model 1892 bayonet is in very good condition, with the expected wear from age and use. The blade is still bright steel, with only light wear, though it does look to have been cleaned and possibly sharpened in the past. It is dated 1902 on the ricasso and marked U.S. on the reverse. The grips are in very good condition, and are the later ribbed style with rivets that have not been ground away, correct for this manufacture date. The scabbard shows light wear to the exterior finish, but no denting or other issues. The later pattern belt loop hanger is present and still has the washer present, however the rivet is loose so it swings freely.

A great example of the standard turn of the 20th century U.S. Service rifle with an original bayonet & scabbard, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
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