Springfield 1896 Krag–Jørgensen 22″ .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle, 1896 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,300.00

LSB#:  LSB260625WM084

Make:  Springfield Armory

Model:  1896 Krag–Jørgensen

Serial Number:  33188

Year of Manufacture:  1896 / Antique

Caliber:  .30-40 Krag

Action Type:  Bolt action, internal 5 round side-loading magazine.

Markings:  The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. Model 1896. Springfield Armory. 33188″.   The stock has a “M” proof on the wrist.  The inspector’s cartouche is inscribed on the stock “J.S.A. 1896“. 

Barrel Length:  22”

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a blade post pinned into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a 1896 Type 2 U-notch sliding escalator/ladder marked out to 18.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The rifle has a two piece walnut stock with a barrel band, finger grooves, straight wrist, straight comb, saddle ring loop, and steel buttplate with a trapdoor. There are scratches and compression marks throughout.  There is a repaired crack off of the triggerguard tang and a 1/4″ chip missing from the rear of the handguard.  The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.  The stock rates a Good overall condition as antique.

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined.  There is some erosion in the bore — primarily in the grooves.  In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10 as an Antique.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling wear, storage wear, and fading.  There are scratches and thinning throughout.  There are spots of light patina throughout the rifle, particularly on the barrel.  There are spots of corrosion pitting throughout.  The screw heads are lightly tooled.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this rifle rates a Very Good condition as an antique.

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:  None.

Our Assessment:  Designed by Norwegians Colonel Ole Hermann Johannes Krag and Erik Jorgensen, this rifle was the first to be made at the Springfield Armory that was not called a “Springfield”.  Introduced in 1892, it had a short (15 year) service life but saw a lot of action.  It was pivotal in the Spanish American War campaigns in Cuba and the Philippines and in the US involvement in the Boxer rebellion.  This was the weapon type used by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders in their famous charge up San Juan Hill.

The rifle itself remains antique as it was manufactured before January 1, 1899. This Model 1896 is configured with a 22” barrel, 1896 Type 2 rear sight, blade front sight, side-loading magazine, two-piece walnut stock, steel buttplate with trapdoor.  This Model 1896 Krag is in Very Good condition overall as an antique, retaining about 50% of its original blued finish with handling and storage wear, scratches, thinning, light patina, spots of light surface rust, and corrosion pitting throughout.  The two-piece walnut stock rates in Good-Very Good condition, showing scratches and compression marks throughout, with a crack on the left side of the forend and no chips. The action functions correctly, the markings are clear, and the screw heads are lightly tooled.  This rifle should appeal to military arms collectors, Krag-Jørgensen enthusiasts, and antique military rifle buyers.  Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition.  -C.B.