Springfield 1896 Krag–Jørgensen 30” .30-40 Bolt Action Rifle, 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,035.00
LSB#: LSB260502AH005
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1896 Krag–Jørgensen
Serial Number: 103120
Year of Manufacture: 1897 / 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. 103120”. The barrel band is marked, “U”. The stock has a “P” proof on the wrist. The inspector’s cartouche is not present.
Barrel Length: 30”
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 capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate with a trapdoor. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There is a crack on the left side of the forend just in front of the forend. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Good – Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10 as an Antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There are spots of light patina throughout the rifle. There are spots of light surface rust and corrosion pitting throughout. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. The markings are faded in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle comes with a leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen is an important U.S. military bolt-action rifle chambered in .30-40 Krag, also known as .30 U.S. The Krag is known for its smooth action, distinctive side-loading internal magazine, and service during the Spanish-American War era. Serial number 103120 falls within the National Park Service’s approximate 1898 fiscal-year Krag serial range of 64,558–116,146, though the rifle itself remains antique if manufactured before January 1, 1899. This Model 1896 is configured with a 30” barrel, 1896 Type 2 rear sight, blade front sight, side-loading magazine, two-piece walnut stock, steel buttplate with trapdoor, and leather sling.
This Model 1896 Krag is in Very Good condition overall as an antique, retaining about 60% 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 bore is bright with defined rifling, no erosion, and light fouling in the grooves, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, the markings are faded in spots, and the screw heads are light to moderately tooled. This rifle should appeal to U.S. martial arms collectors, Krag-Jørgensen enthusiasts, and antique military rifle buyers looking for a Model 1896 rifle with strong bore condition and honest late-19th-century service wear. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P