I have a Krag-Jorgensen Model 1896 Carbine manufactured by Springfield Armory.  At least that is what it purports to be, and I really think it is. I have a serial number listed for it from when I bought it, but I could not find hte serial number today when I looked at the weapon to match it.  I know I will feel stupid when someone tells me where the serial numbers are on these weapons, but I searched and searched and did not find it.  Can anyone point me to where to look?

You're kidding, right?

Hint - it's on the left side, opposite the magazine.

In 40 years of collecting, I have NEVER seen one which was not "in your face" clear!

IF you are older than me (72) or suffer from an uncorrected/uncorrectable vision problem, I SINCERELY apologize - it is not my intent to mock or make fun of anyone, but the level of questions, particularly on Al Frasca's "trapdoor" board, is getting ridiculous.

Seems like no one has any initiative any more - they want everything handed to them. Sorry, end of "old fart" rant.

Well, Ranting Old Fart, I do appreciate your snide answer.  Yes, I have been pretty lazy, taking no inititative, in my over 34 years of active military service and never looked at a weapon before.  Never even thought of comparing the carbine to my 1898 Krag Rifle version whose serial number is quite evident and easy to spot!!  That is why I was so explicit in my original email that it "purported" to be a Model 1896 Springfield version of the Krag Carbine.  Since there appear to be many fakes, I was just verifying. The identification info would also be found on the left side, opposite the magazine.  Of course, I asked the question because the serial number ISN'T highly visible there!!  I have one digit distinctly visible and was trying to verify that I was looking in the right place, since it seems a bit odd given the overall excellent ocndition of hte weapon. Now that I know I am in the right place, I will go through more extreme measures than using my 56-year old former combat aviator eyes to ascertain why the rest of the serial number is not more visible. Once I completely stripped the weapon down and looked all over to verify the number was not covered up by the stock, the front sight, or some other such part, I thought I would go to the experts, demonstrating initiative and a manly acceptance of asking for help after working on it myself for a bit. It was fun to take that thing completely apart as I did. Little did I know I would get the sourpuss expert answering first.  By the way, it would have been nice of you to just refer me to the photo on your excellent website of your own 1896 carbine and I could see for sure, but unfortunately that did not match your Left Coast personality, I guess.  Now that I know what kind of folks harbor themselves here on this forum, I will resign from the forum and go back to asking others my questions. Now, Mr. Hosmer, you have a nice day. Army Strong!!

Perhaps posting a photo of the alleged weapon might have alleviated any of the misunderstanding, as well as frequenting yourself with the available photos and resources on this site. I have received quite a bit of expert advice on this site from several world class folks who know this particular weapon inside out. They may have been willing to relate their expertise due to my delivery or maybe because I read and frequented the site regularly for a while before I ask any questions. Sometimes, on these internet sites, it is better to remain a silent fool for a while instead of blurting out a half baked question and removing all doubt.

That was unfortunate. I'd apologize, but I think I already did.