MINT US Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag, Blue, INCREDIBLE CONDITION Bolt Action Rifle, April 1900 C&R – .30-40 Krag
SOLD FOR: $2,755
LSB#: 150708EB64
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1898 Krag
Serial Number: 263481
Year of Manufacture: April, 1900 (see page 235 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 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 263481”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a boxed inspection cartouche “JSA / 1899” (J.S. Adams, see page 60 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer). The bottom of the grip is marked “N” and “circled P”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The inside of the butt trap cap is marked “78 / 63”; this is a fitting number. The cap is hand fitted to the buttplate (see page29).
Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is a Model 1902 Type 4, with a swing up aperture that takes the place of the “U” notch on the blade. The sight is fully adjustable and is marked from “1 – 20” (see page 171).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, two sling loops, a stacking loop, a barrel band and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. Cleaning tools are stored in the butt. The wood shows some scrapes, a few light scratches and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows and M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: The front of the barrel and the nosecap show various scrapes, small scratches and some thinning. The trigger guard is scratched. The buttplate is scraped and shows surface erosion. The receiver and magazine show small light scrapes and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a Model 1898 leather sling. The sling is worn, discolored and shows surface cracks. It is marked “J.N.” on the rounded leather tail. It is in about Good condition. The rifle comes with a three piece cleaning rod and metal oiler stored in the butt. The Type 5 cleaning rod has swelled joints and a swelled head. The oiler is a Type 2 (see pages 183 to 186 of The American Krag Rifle and Carbine by Joe Poyer). The cleaning tools are in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Krag Model 1898 Rifle was made back in 1900 and still looks great. It is well over 100 years old, but it is too “young” to be classified as an antique. We have never seen one come into our shop in such great condition. It has nice deep markings on the receiver and a crisp inspector’s cartouche on the stock. It even comes with cleaning tools stored in the butt. This is an ideal rifle at o add to any collection. If you see one in this great a condition again, it will probably be in a museum. For an article on the Krag rifles history see http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/theodore-roosevelt,-elegant-arms/case-56-america’s-splendid-little-war-with-spain-roosevelt’s-rough-riders/us-springfield-model-1898-krag-bolt-action-rifle-(1).aspx.
