I have a model 1899 Krag carbine that has a small oval plate screwed into the bottom of the cheek part of the stock, where a sling swivel would go normally, that says "OALW 82".  Has anyone seen such a marking on a krag before.  I have no doubt it was applied after it left service, but have no idea wha it might mean or refer to.  Any ideas?

thank you

"OA&LW" kind of sounds like the "Mitchell's Mausers" of Krags. Thanks for the history, Dick.

'kw64': I have no idea about what you paid for it or what your intent is regarding this model 1899 carbine (correct collection piece or 'correct looking shooter').

Perhaps if you posted some detail photos, you would get useful feedback regarding its correctness and value. This might help your decision regarding keeping this Krag.

To answer your question it would be a stretch to call myself a collector, but I do like period accurate pieces.  However, probably not down to the level that some real collectors want.  I have posted some photos and would appreciate your opinion on this carbine.  To my uneducated eye everything looks good except the OAWL plate and the shiney butt plate.  thanks

Ken

'kw64': Your Stock and hand-guard look like nice Italian walnut ones. I believe your Model 1899 carbine, #235485, was built around November, 1899. The 'knob-less' striker-rod is probably correct for your carbine's number range. The Stock 'cartouche', dated 1901, probably indicates the Stock was switched by someone or during a rebuild. Your 1901 rear-sight is a rifle base that someone has stamped with a "C". A 1901 carbine base is marked to 5 (500 yards) and the "C" doesn't look right on your base or the edge of the leaf. A carbine leaf goes up to 23 (2,300 yards). More pictures will allow more observations.

(photo of a real 1901 carbine sight attached).

k

'kw64': Your 1901 rear-sight is all rifle sight and falsely marked with "C"s. Your rifle sight leaf has a built in drift correction. A real carbine sight leaf does not angle for drift. (The inside edges of the carbine leaf are parallel to the outside edges). A correct 1901 carbine rear-sight costs about $250.

It is hard to tell. Some of your photos appear like there is some refinish of metal or wood. It could be just the 'Flash'.

IMHO - What I see is worth $700-$800 (value of parts). I would give it a higher value, if I saw it in person and saw that every thing appeared to be the original looking finish. The picture of your front/sight muzzle area looks good, as does the action. What is the condition of the bore?

The 'OALW' plate, you mention, bothers me. It sounds like it is recessed in a sling swivel mortise. You have a real carbine stock. However, I don't like carbine stocks that have been fitted for a butt sling-swivel. You have a nice stock, but, the '1901 cartouche' date does not match the acceptance period (1899-1900) of carbine #235XXX. It is a pretty looking carbine.

I hope this is helpful.

Never cease to have questions..... the Poyer book states on page 168 that "the model 1901 carbine rear sight was originally assembled to all Model 1899 carbines after serial #345,000....."  That begs the question of what rear sight was used prior to serial number 345,000?  Earlier he states that the 1898 rear sight was added to 1899 carbines between serial numbers 242,000 and 285,000.  So what was used before on the 1899 carbines.  The one I have has a serial number of 235,xxx.  Thank you