U.S. Springfield Model 1898 KRAG Rifle……..(f 762) SOLD

A very good example of the 1898 Springfield Krag Rifle

Here stands, upon offer, a really fine example of the M1898 U.S. Springfield Krag Rifle.  This example shows just the right amount of service wear without the usual loss of finish.  The colours and blueing on most of the components stand at about 75% remaining, the balance have slipped back to a mellow plum grey/brown.  The fine close-grained American Black Walnut stock shows about 50% of the usual dents and dings associated with a service life.  These rifles became embroilled in at least two south American conflicts which really put them through their paces, but, on the flip side, those conflicts added to the richness of the item that now sits before you.  It is know, that in down times, the troopers sitting in the trenches awaiting the next burst of action, often spent time rubbing palm oil into the stocks, thus obtaining the high grade finish often associated with these weapons.  There are also accounts detailing long periods of firing where, the grease laid in under the barrels, would boil out of the gaps between stock and barrel and the rifles had to be be constantly ragged down to avoid the rather slippery result.  These extremes have not detracted from the quality of the antique rifle , but more, added to it.  A richness and depth of finish seems to exude from these weapons.  Add to this, the fine build quailty and finish of the machine-work you have a major addition to your collection.

The quality and build characteristics of this era of US military production vastly over-reached the brief.  The end result being a rifle produced for combat that exceeded the standard of a private purchase weapon.  Accuracy was another addition to the long list of attributes which evolved from the end result.  A carefully reloaded example today is a formidable rifle to come up against on the firing point.  Fine tollerences, good rifling and the long barrel make the Krag that remains today in good condition, a strong contender at any service rifle match.

Overall length is 49.1/4″ (125cm) Barrel length 30″ ( 76cm) Length of pull 13.3/8″ (34cm) weigth of this example 4.06kg.  Serial number “398148”  Caliber .30-40 Krag (govt’)  Five round, side loaded – individually.   Straight handled bolt, the main body of which is polished to white.  The handle and knob have turned brown, the bolt sleve and knurled cocking piece are blued.  The main extractor spring which runs along the top of the bolt has faint traces of its nitre-blue but has mostly faded to a dark grey.  The action, when used, feels fine and the mainspring provides a smooth resitance on closing.  On the rear face of the bolt root there is a clear five-pointed star and some numbers, quite clearly observed once the bolt is open.

The finish on the action has retained a good 95% of its hardened mottled colouring as has the loading gate.  The spring to the gate is strong and snaps closed when moved over.  On the top RHS of the action the rifle has its main markings which read as follows; “U.S. / MODEL 1898.  SPRINGFIELD ARMOURY.  398148”.  This number puts the rifles date of manufacture between May and June of 1902.

On the wrist of the stock below and just to the rear is the inspectors cartouche which is a clear boxed “J.S.A.” in script over 1902.  JSA stands for J.S.Adams.  The triger guard, under, retains a strong degree of finish.  Directly behind it is a single digit marking, this is the stockers number he impressed into the stock when it had been originally fitted in the factory.  Then, finally, the circled “P” serrifed proof mark has been applied directly under the wrist where the users finger grip.  As the “P” is serrifed it indicates that this is the original stock fitted in the factory.   A sans-serrif “P” would indicate a replacement stock, fitted in the field.  This M98 Kraf is fitted with the two customary sling swivels and a nose cap to the fore-end with bayonet fittieng. Stacking loop A/F.  The fore-end has fingergroves on either side between the mid-band and the action.  On the inside of the trap in the butt-plate there are assembly markings which are not always seem.

The rear sight is the model 1902 fitment with windage adjustment by means of the binding lever at the front.  The leaf which can stand upright for distances beyond 400 meters is graduated up to 2000 yards for voley fire.  The aiming points are through U-shaped notches and a single appature for more accurate shooting.  Interestingly the side of the ramp is marked in 100 yard spacings up to 400. Just before the 400 mark is a “B” – this is the 375 yard battle sight distance where the krag was most effective without adjustment to the sights.   The slide is securred by a knurled wheel which will lock it at the desired setting.  Adjustment for deflection by a cross wind is shown by markings at the rear of the unit, at each side of the scale is a “O” which if set at is the datum of zero deflection.  Single blade front sight securred by a cross-pin.  There is a hand-guard over the barrel around the sight securred by spring steel clips, that has minor chipping to the rear end, adjacent to the main markings upon the action.  Also, pertaining to the stock of the rifle, it always important to study the material on the RHS of the stock between the loading gate and the bolt cut-out – this one has not suffered a breakage and is complete with no signs of repair.  The Krag rifle has quite a fragile stock with at least two weak points, it always best to study these closely before buying.

Finally, although a fine collectors piece; this rifle has to be shot;  The bore is excellent, very clean and showing few if any signs of use.  Very clean, strong rifling, no pitting or misting.  All in all a very nice Krag which has remained un-altered from issue.   ” Its  A  Keeper……….”

Stock No’  F 762

£ SOLD

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