Springfield 1899 Krag Carbine .30-40 Philippine Constabulary Rifle Bolt C&R
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210826DW09
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1899 Krag Carbine. Now a Philippine Constabulary Rifle
Serial Number: 345964
Year of Manufacture: September, 1901 (see page 236 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer).
Caliber: 30-40 Krag
Action Type: Bolt Action, Fed by Side Mounted Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL 1899. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 345964”. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “9”, “S 8”, and “8”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “7”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “C” for Carbine. The left edge of the rear sight ladder is marked with a faded “C” which indicates it is a Carbine sight.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. The rear sight is a Model 1901 Carbine sight. When down it is a “U” notched blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “C” for Carbine, and “5 4B 3 2 1” for use with the escalator. The “B” indicates the location for “battle sight”. The sight flips up to become a sight ladder that uses a sliding “U” notched blade & aperture as well as a separate “U” notch at the top of the ladder. The left edge of the rear sight ladder is marked with a faded “C” which indicates it is a Carbine sight. The sight ladder is marked from “1-23”. For photos and more info see page 105 of Lt Col. William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, cut out for the bolt handle, finger grooves, Model 1898 Krag Rifle nosecap with bayonet lug, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, light surface erosion, and a brown patina. The stock hardware shows scrapes and discoloration from oxidation. The stock shows several scrapes & scratches. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is grey. The rifling is deep; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion throughout the bore. The bore shows an M.E. of 4.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its original metal finish to oxidation & cleaning. The metal has been treated with cold blue. Small scratches and oxidation show through the cold blue finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use and oxidation. Most of the receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with an unmarked leather sling. It shows surface creasing and a areas of discoloration. The metal shows small scrapes & oxidation. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Philippine Constabulary Rifle started off as a Springfield Armory Model 1899 Krag Carbine. It was made back in September of 1901. It is marked “1899” on the receiver. There were no Model 1899 Krag Rifles made; only 1899 Krag Carbines. It uses a Carbine marked sight and a Carbine handguard.
Filipinos were not comfortable with full-length rifles. Beginning in 1906, a number of 1899 Krag Carbines, along with a few 1898 Carbines, were altered for Philippine Constabulary use by fitting them with cut-down 1898 Krag rifle stocks equipped with sling swivels and bayonet lugs. The ends of the larger diameter carbine barrels were turned down with a lathe in order to permit the use of the standard bayonet. These modified Krag Carbines resembled miniature Krag rifles. These Philippine Converted Krags known today as Philippine Constabulary Rifles.
The rifle is 120 years old and still looks good. Model 1899 Krag Carbines are scarce. Only 36,000 were ever produced so don’t we see many in our shop. Philippine Constabulary Rifles are Rare. This Rare Krag is ideal for the Krag collector.