'halvy64': Welcome to the KCA Forum. Nice item to find during a house renovation! (There has to be an interesting story there).

Your 'new' rifle is indeed a U.S. model 1898 Krag rifle that has had its (originally 30") barrel and stock forearm shortened. The original front-sight base has been re-attached to the cut-down barrel. The Rifle rear-sight is the model 1896 sight. The changes to your rifle were probably done to make it more appropriate for Hunting. The stock has been sanded and thinned down. The brass wood screw in front of the 'circled P' (function proof mark) is probably a repair for a wrist crack.

Krag rifle, #267040, would have been assembled around May to July of 1900. In its current state, it is worth about $250-300. It would be a fun shooter and useful for Hunting (.30-40 Krag caliber). Hopefully the bore is in good condition. Remodeled Krags do not sell very well. Collectors want Krags to be as issued.

Gentlemen, I can't thank you enough for your quick responses and insightful information!

The find story goes, I was pulling up the sheeting in the attic above what used to be an outside porch. This little beauty was in a plastic sleeve tucked in between the rafters. Whoever put it there, had to have placed it and then sheeted over it.

I'm originally from the great state of Wyoming, but currently reside in Pennsylvania. I grew up elk, deer and antelope hunting out there and had yet bring my rifle back to PA. Now I have one that I can take out in the field!

I'm going to be taking it to a gunsmith recommended by a family friend soon and have him go over it to make sure it's in shooting condition. Whoever stashed it away greased the heck out of it so it should hopefully be in pretty good shape.

Thanks again for the info!!

I would advise careful cleaning of old grease & crud from metal surfaces and bore. I start with Hoppes #9 on cleaning patches. For heavier surface deposits, I wipe the metal (and wood) with mineral spirits on a rag and 'burnish'  dampened metal crud deposits with a popsicle stick. Wood responds well to a wipe down of linseed oil. Once dry, wood likes 'Pledge' furniture polish.

Clean, inspect, and shoot! Don't "REFINISH"! If your Gun Smith advises that, Run Away! Enjoy Patina.

In the old days, the Krag was very popular for Woodland Hunting in Pa., N.Y., Mich., Wisconsin, and many other States. What's not to like? In the late 1920s and 1930s, the DCM sold Krags for $1 and 50 cents, plus postage. (I personally believe, the 'Old Krag-Jorgensen' sold Americans on bolt guns).