U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag Carbine .30-40 22″ Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,155.00
LSB#: LSB260502AH035
Make: U.S. Springfield Armory
Model: Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen, Sporterized
Serial Number: 76852
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1897-1898 / Antique. Springfield Armory production records place this serial number within the late Model 1897 production period. Krag production figures are recorded by fiscal year, so an exact calendar-year date cannot be established from the serial number alone.
Caliber: .30-40 Krag, also known as .30 Army
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with a Side-Loading, Five-Round Internal Magazine, Hinged Magazine Gate, Magazine Cutoff, and Cocking-Piece Safety
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL 1896. / SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 76553”. The rear sight is graduated with range markings from “1” through “23”. No cartouches or other markings are visible on the stock.
Barrel Length: 22”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut military carbine stock with a straight grip, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows scattered scratches, compressions, finish wear, and handling marks from military service. No inspection cartouches or stock markings are visible. There are no notable cracks or chips visible. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Finish Originality: Original. The rifle remains in its military carbine configuration.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its original metal finish. The balance has worn to a smooth gray and brown patina with scattered oxidation, finish loss, scratches, and handling wear consistent with military service and age. The screw heads remain generally sharp with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The receiver markings remain clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1896 Krag Carbine represents an important stage in the modernization of the American service arm. Built at Springfield Armory and chambered in .30-40 Krag, the design combined a remarkably smooth bolt action with its distinctive side-loading five-round magazine. The compact 22″ carbine configuration was intended for mounted troops and other personnel requiring a shorter, handier arm than the standard infantry rifle. Model 1896 carbines are considerably scarcer than full-length Krag rifles and are highly regarded by collectors of early American smokeless-powder martial arms.
This example retains its correct carbine-length barrel, military stock configuration, side-loading magazine, and adjustable rear sight. The receiver is marked for the Model 1896 and bears serial number 76852. The rifle shows extensive service and age-related wear, retaining about 20% of its original metal finish, with the balance showing gray and brown patina, oxidation, scratches, and handling wear. The bore is gray with worn rifling and erosion throughout, while the action continues to function correctly.
Despite its worn finish and bore, this remains a scarce and historically significant antique Springfield Krag carbine. Its correct 22″ configuration and intact Krag action make it a desirable representative of the carbines carried during the Spanish-American War era and the transitional period between black-powder arms and the later Model 1903 Springfield. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.