Springfield Model 1898 Krag Carbine .30-40 22” Bolt Action Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,450.00

LSB#:  LSB250917GD019

Make: Springfield

Model: 1898 Krag Carbine.

Serial Number: 132716

Year of Manufacture: 1898 / Antique

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. 132716”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a “JSA /1898” inspector’s cartouche.  The Firing Proof “P” in a circle is marked on the underside of the wrist along with the number “46”. The rear sight is marked with a “C”. 

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches..

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a soldered barrel mounted base.   There is a small “C” stamp on the left side of the front sight. The rear sight is a Type 3 1896 ladder sight marked out to 6 on the side of the base and 18 on the ladder. The top right of the sight is correctly marked with a “C” for a Carbine.

Stock Configuration & Condition   This rifle has a two-piece wood short-version 1896 carbine stock with a straight grip, square cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, Carbine version barrel band, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There is a cleaning kit still housed in the buttstock!  There is a correct carbine sling bar and saddle ring on the left side of the stock.  The wood shows light scrapes, scratches and compression marks.  There are no chips or cracks.  The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. This stock rates in about Fine overall condition for a C&R. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Metal refinished, Original stock. 

Bore Condition: The bore is slightly dull but the rifling is defined.  There is some minor erosion in the grooves. This writer would rate the bore at 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish.  The receiver exhibits a more mottled finish where the blue has eroded.  It is likely that the metal was refinished and the blue on the receiver has faded more than the barrel. The remaining spots of finish have turned to patina. There are multiple nicks and scratches along the barrel.  The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show very light use. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as a C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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: Cleaning kit in the buttstock. 

Our Assessment:  The Springfield Krag-Jørgensen was America’s first smokeless powder service rifle, adopted in 1892 and serving through the Spanish-American War before being replaced by the 1903 Springfield. The Krag stood out for its innovative side-loading magazine, which allowed soldiers to top off rounds without disabling the rifle, a feature unique among bolt-actions of its era. The M1898 carbine, with its 22-inch barrel, was the standard issue for cavalry and mounted troops, offering lighter weight and handier balance compared to the full-length rifle. Manufactured in 1898, this example falls into the antique category and represents one of the most historically significant American carbines of the late 19th century. This rifle shows significantly less wear than expected for an antique that has seen use. The carbine stock retains its correct hardware and sling bar, showing relatively minor scattered dents, scratches, rating in Fine condition. The metal finish has thinned, with about 60 percent of its finish remaining and a deep patina throughout, consistent with its age and service life. The bore shows wear, with some erosion that brings it down to a 7 out of 10, but the mechanics remain functional with the smooth action that Krags are known for. Importantly, it retains proper carbine features including the 22-inch barrel, Type 3 rear sight, and carbine sling hardware, supporting its authenticity as a true Krag carbine rather than a cut-down rifle.

For collectors, the 1898 Krag carbine is one of the more desirable U.S. military arms of the era, particularly because carbines were produced in much smaller numbers than rifles and saw harder service in the field. Only 5000 of the 1898 Krag Carbines were produced.  This 1898-produced antique example offers authenticity, correct configuration (along with a cleaning kit in the buttstock!)  and solid overall condition despite its mildly-worn bore. The serial number, 132716 is in the correct range for the 5000 Carbine models that were produced, according to Lt. Brophy’s book “The Krag Rifle.”  This rifle was built on the shorter 1896-style Carbine stock with the saddle ring.  It represents a piece of American history tied directly to the frontier and the Spanish-American War period, and it remains a must-have for collectors of U.S. military arms or antique cavalry carbines.  Please see our detailed photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!!! –

BF