The threads and head shape of your Krag 'cleaning-rod' look vey good to me. The area, where the patina color suddenly changes, appears to be the point where the rod clears the front barrel-band. The patina color looks very consistent with that of the barrel and front band.

IMHO - It has been on that rifle for a long time and looks legitimate.

(Others, on the KCA Forum, know a lot more about the early Krags than I do).

Boomer - Your excellent photos have been very educational. Your Krag is a wonderful 'time capsule' with a complete and correct bolt, its original serial numbered side-plate, and great non-updated features.

I even like the 'chip' missing from the Toe of your stock. This shows why the later Krag butt-plate was a 'curved one.

Good advice has been given in terms of just putting Linseed Oil on the wood and just wiping the metal patina with a quality gun oil.

I would advise contacting Movieman630 - aka 'Grandpa's Gun Parts' and seeing if he has a suitable front Stacking-Swivel and screw for an early Krag. A loose model 1892 rear-sight would be nice item to keep with your "Gem", just to show 'evolution'. (But, leave your Krag with the parts it came with)!

Thanks for sharing.

Hey, what history came with it and how was it acquired??

p.s. I love this picture: it tells volumes!

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