Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition mid-late 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. After military service it was tinned / nickel plated for parade or drill use, and looks to have seen long service after that, as much of the plating is worn away.
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. 88049
Research reveals that serial number 88049 dates the time of manufacture to the end of 1897, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1898. This was not long before the M1898 was patterned and the markings on the receiver changed. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. The handguard is an updated M1901 type and meets the front edge of the receiver, surrounding an updated M1901 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 sights, such as this example.
It however looks to have the original stock, with the correct bevel around the cocking handle. It does not look to have been arsenal conditioned, and actually has a lot of lovely "Flame" figuring running from the butt stock all the way up to the nose area. The stock and handguard are in very good condition, with a lovely red-brown walnut color, and small dings and scratches from service. It does not have the boxed inspection cartouche on the left side, however it still has a clear stylized P proof behind the trigger guard, indicating the barrel has passed the overpressure testing.
Condition is very good with a lovely worn plated patina to a lot of the metalwork, showing that it was polished lovingly for years even as the plating started to flake away. The trigger guard and trigger still retain lots of plating, while the magazine and receiver area show a lot of wear through. 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. The bore is in good condition, mostly bright with rifling visible, however it is definitely worn. This is a rifle that definitely saw significant use while in service, and then probably for decades as a parade rifle.
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
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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 most US States and most U.S. territories.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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 most addresses within the United States.
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