Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
Firearms >> U.S. Military Krags >> HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40 http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1511804701 Message started by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 5:45pm

Title: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 5:45pm

Hello!

I bounced into this random pawn shop in my area and on the wall I saw this Krag. I picked it up and found that it had cartouche "JSA 1903". Serial #457XXX. I have had issues figuring out what year it was. Obviously the mark said 1903 but Ive gotten mixed reviews from forums. Some say between 1897-1903. I was hoping for some clarification on where I could find that (or if you had any idea). It was not sported and appeared to look pretty clean aside from some dings here and there on the stock. Pictures attached, any information on it would be awesome! Or value estimation would be great. Thank you!!

IMG_1206.JPG ( 95 KB | 4 Downloads )

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 5:45pm

pic 2

IMG_1207.JPG ( 109 KB | 1 Download )

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 5:45pm

pic 3

IMG_1208.JPG ( 102 KB | 1 Download )

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 5:45pm

pic 4

IMG_1213.JPG ( 88 KB | 2 Downloads )

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by butlersrangers on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 7:13pm

'bisOn' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle, #457770, would have been assembled around June, 1903. There is a nice agreement between likely assembly date and the Stock's 'acceptance cartouche', 1903 date.

It looks like a pretty nice Krag in the photos. If the bore condition is very good, value would be around $700-750.

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by bis0n on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 8:49pm

butlersrangers wrote on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 7:13pm:

'bisOn' - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle, #457XXX, would have been assembled around June, 1903. There is a nice agreement between likely assembly date and the Stock's 'acceptance cartouche', 1903 date.

It looks like a pretty nice Krag in the photos. If the bore condition is very good, value would be around $700-750.

Thank you for the response. I know these rifles got phased out and replaced by the M1903 but were these later manufactured Krags ever used/issued? If so, how can you tell? Also, are there any other signs that increase or decrease value? Things to look for other than the cartouche?

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by Hamish on Nov 27^th, 2017 at 11:35pm

I'm hoping you gave that rifle a new home. Triple 7's always means good fortune,,,,,,,,,, 8-)

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by butlersrangers on Nov 28^th, 2017 at 12:09am

The Krag rifle was not replaced until about 1907-08 in the regular army and continued in National Guard use until around 1914-15.

Krags were heavily used as Training Weapons, during the U.S. mobilization for WW-1.

Some U.S. Engineer units were sent to Europe with Krags. These Engineers continued with Krags to some degree, while operating Railways in France, in support of Front Line Troops.

The Krag continued to have a role in the U.S. Navy during and after WW-1.

(In regard to value - Stock and Hand-guard cracks, sanded and refinished wood, refinished metal parts - these are things that detract and harm originality and desirability).

Title: Re: HELP: Springfield 1898 Krag 30-40
Post by Fred G. on Dec 15^th, 2017 at 8:23pm

That's a pretty nice Krag. Unless the seller is asking something ridiculous for it, and if You really like it, go for it. I can see paying over a grand for any Krag that hasn't ever been heavily used, cleaned, sanded or stripped of its un messed with "out of the attic" finish.