'SharpsShtr' - Welcome to the KCA forum!

U.S. Krags were basically in service from 1894 to 1920, either as a primary arm, in the regular military and national guard, or as a secondary and 'training arm'.

The rear-sights evolved, from model 1892, model 1896, model 1898, model 1901, and model 1902. Krags were built sometimes awaiting sights, Krags were updated, Krags were repaired and refurbished. Some Krags had their sights changed multiple times.

Much of this was done officially at armories, arsenals, and in the field. Some of this was done unofficially with surplus parts by dealers, collector/restorers, and whoever.

IMHO - It becomes an educated guess. The overall condition of the Krag, consistency of wear and patina, correctness of sight and hand-guard, match-up of stock and hand-guard wood, condition of screw-heads, all give clues and might instill confidence. However, we can not totally know things were not changed.

A lot of Krags (and M1 carbines) have been changed from their real 'last issued configuration' by "Parts Swappers" to make them 'more correct' (and valuable?)!