I just joined the Forum today and would like to ask for some help.

I am the owner of a great 1898 Krag. My dad and I added it to our collection back in the 1960's. Dad had more interest in the old military items than I did so now that it's mine I'd like to know a little more about it.

This thing appears to be in exceptional shape. The blueing is excellent, the wood is very good and it even has a little spring loaded cap over the end of the barrel to keep debris out of the bore.

This makes me wonder, was this a parade rifle of some sorts ? Or, did someone just spend a lot of time and talent restoring it ?

Any thoughts on what the value would be for such a piece ? I'll attach photos.

Thanks for any help you can give me,

Ljohns

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Very Nice rifle, and the cap on the end was for keeping the dust out and the orginals are very hard to find. without the sernial number it is hard to give you very much data on your rifle.

you also have the 1901 rear sight on your rifle, while this may have been added during a repair/upgrade of the rifle, and can be left on the rifle, it is not the one for that rifle. This may also replacement of the handguard for the correct site, but that would be your call in the long run. you have a very nice rifle over all and i would leave it as is, and it looks like it may have been reblued at some point.

Very nice! 

It appears to be re-blued, and the bolt appears to have been polished.  Dean is correct about the rear sight being a 1901.  The sight may have been installed in an arsenal rebuild, but it also may have been the original sight if the rifle was built in 1901 or later.  The serial number and cartouche will tell you when the rifle was originally built.  I see in the pictures that the cartouche is nice...  I assume that it has the proof mark intact also (located behind the trigger guard on the bottom of the stock)? 

How is the bore?  You may want to have the barrel slugged to determine what size bullet to use if you plan on reloading for cast bullets.  Otherwise, you should have no problems firing factory Remington or Winchester ammo, which is available.  You can find those is some sporting goods stores like Bass Pro or Cabelas.  You may also find them for a lower price on web sites like Cheap as Dirt.  A word of advice... Save Your Brass!!!  If you reload (or even if you don't), due to the cost of 30-40 Krag ammo, you may consider reloading in the future.

Welcome to the site and to the wonderful world of Krag rifles!!!

Ljohns:  psteinmayer gave you good suggestions and information.  If you tell us the serial number, someone will let you know the year and month it was made.  Your stock appears to be sanded, but a date of acceptance may still be visible in the 'cartouche' box stamped into the left side of the stock along with the inspector's initials.  The wood and metal of your rifle appear to be refinished in your photos;  this lowers the collector value of your rifle.  I would value a nice looking but extensively refinished 1898 Krag rifle with a shootable bore at $500 or less.  The same rifle with original finish and 'honest wear and tear' and a nice patina, I'd value at $800-900 (IMHO).  Collectors do not like re-finished parts, unless done by the Arsenal.  On the plus side, you have a nice looking Krag you don't have to feel guilty using.  Enjoy it!  (p.s. I would suggest you get a basic reference like Joe Poyer's "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine" for about $20.  It will increase your knowledge and enjoyment of your Krag).  Also, your brass muzzle cover/sight protector is worth about $65;  it has been polished, let it tarnish.

The serial number is 380XXX.

Made in Feb 1902

"Made in Feb 1902"

Thanks !