I ordered a 'New Old Stock' model 1896 bolt, late type, from 'Movieman 630' (aka - Grandpa's Gunparts). This was the last NOS Bolt of this pattern in his inventory.

(Note - He does have NOS 'early' model 1896 bolts and model 1898 bolts).

The bolt arrived today and is quite nice. It is the correct original type of bolt for my recently restored U.S. model 1896 Krag rifle, (which came to me with a model 1898 bolt that would close on my 'Field Gauge').

The new bolt 'head-spaces' properly and is a nice 'finish match' for my rifle, #64136.

btw - The earlier type of model 1896 bolt has the 'gas escape hole' placed further forward on the bolt body.

Per Frank Mallory - ("Krag Rifle Story"): the gas escape hole was moved 0.25" rearward in late 1895 or early 1896, around serial number 36,000.

photos:
1. From this perspective, the 'late' 1896 bolt (top) looks identical to a (NOS) model 1898 bolt.

2. Viewed from the bottom, the model 1896 bolt (top) has a shorter 'flat area' on the bottom of the bolt handle, than the model 1898 bolt.

3. 'Field Gauge', with .073" thick rim, inserted in chamber.

4. Stripped 'NOS' model 1896 bolt only partially closes on Field Gauge.

I'm happy!