Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive - System Information

(UTC)

Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive › Firearms › U.S. Military Krags › I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock

(Moderators: Tom Butts, Ned Butts, KCA Forum Admin)

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›

Page Index Toggle

Pages: 1

I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock (Read 3902 times)

ncsammy KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 3 Location: NC Joined: Jun 4^th, 2015 Gender:	I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Jun 4^th, 2015 at 11:17am	Print Post
	I’m new to the Krag Collectors’ Forum, but I’ve been collecting US and foreign military rifles for many years. I have a question about my 1898 Krag rifle, which has a walnut stock that is lighter in color than most I’ve see. I understand that some Krags were made with lighter color Italian walnut, but I’m not sure if mine is one of them. I would appreciate hearing from the Krag experts on this. Thank you in advance. Sam


	IP Logged

ncsammy KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 3 Location: NC Joined: Jun 4^th, 2015 Gender:	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #1 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 11:18am	Print Post
	Pictures of my Krag can be seen at: (You need to *Login* to view media files and links)


	IP Logged

Dick Hosmer KCA Official Member Offline Collector of Springfield Arms, 1865-1915 Posts: 1862 Location: Northern California Joined: Nov 20^th, 2005 Gender:	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #2 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 1:27pm	Print Post
	To my eye at least, that is not one of the light Italian walnut stocks, which have an almost unique "yellow" tone to them, nor is that the period in which such stocks occur. I THINK it is a genuine period stock, but the pics (which are well-chosen and well-lit) are awfully blurry. It very well may have been chemically cleaned and re-oiled, however, as it appears somewhat on the light side of "normal".


	WWW IP Logged

butlersrangers KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 6330 Location: Michigan Bi-Peninsular&Proud Joined: Oct 7^th, 2009	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #3 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 2:15pm	Print Post
	"ncsammy": Welcome to the KCA Forum. I consider myself a Student of Krags, not an "Expert". (I look at them a lot, pay attention and try to learn from my fellow collectors). You have a wonderful looking Model 1898 Krag that I would love to own and study first hand. IMHO - I do not believe your light colored stock is Italian walnut. I do not see the distinctive grain, burl, or tiger stripe that is usually present. From my observation, the Italian Krag stocks usually have 'cartouche' dates of 1899, 1900, or 1901. The grain appearance and 1903 'cartouche' of your light colored stock suggest American black walnut to me. (The 'seasoned stock wood shortage' was probably over by 1902-03). It is possible there was some very expert 'refinish' work done on your Krag. It appears to me from your photos, someone may have 'chased' (engraved) the lettering and serial number. The lettering appears bare and bright. It should have the same metal finish as the rest of the receiver. Attached are a couple of photos contrasting some light-yellowish Italian walnut Krag stocks with darker North American ones.


	IP Logged

butlersrangers KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 6330 Location: Michigan Bi-Peninsular&Proud Joined: Oct 7^th, 2009	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #4 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 2:36pm	Print Post
	Contrast: 'ncsammys' receiver with shiny markings compared to a receiver with finish on markings.


	IP Logged

ncsammy KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 3 Location: NC Joined: Jun 4^th, 2015 Gender:	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #5 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 9:12pm	Print Post
	Thanks for your very helpful comments, guys. As to the lettering, I believe a previous owner filled in the stamped letters on the receiver with white-out or some other fast drying liquid to enhance the writing. I've seen this on other (mostly foreign) military rifles.


	IP Logged

reincarnated KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 562 Joined: Mar 11^th, 2012	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #6 - Jun 4^th, 2015 at 10:24pm	Print Post
	The white-out application is pretty common if someone was trying to keep a photo record of specific guns.


	IP Logged

1911Ron KCA Forum Member Offline Krag Enthusiast! Posts: 59 Location: Buckeye,Az Joined: May 16^th, 2015 Gender:	Re: I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock Reply #7 - Jun 6^th, 2015 at 10:14am	Print Post
	Beautiful Rifle! Thanks for sharing!


	IP Logged

Page Index Toggle

Pages: 1

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›