Just FYI, a Krag for sale over on the CMP forum.  Listed top dollar (IMHO).  Sourced back to the Wisconsin Volunteers during the War.  Has the stock been sanded and refinished?  (You need to Login to view media files and links)  Not promoting the sale, just curious. 
Vic

 

IMHO - A bit of "P.T. Barnum" in that description and avoidance of relevant things like 'bore-condition' and suspect condition of wood.

Number 48507 is documented in SRS Data. I think it highly unlikely anyone will find the name of the soldier it was issued to 'when the government re-opens'.

It is very much up to the Buyer how much value is added to a Krag by it being listed in SRS Data. I agree with 'Kerz' that the Seller is likely asking "Top Dollar".

(Personally, I am looking at the Gun and ignoring The Story).

The whole description makes me think, 'I have read this author before on Gun Broker'.

I didn't even read the story. I agree, the pictures should speak for themselves with the amount you fork over. Stories can add a lot to value if they are documented and believable.

I couldn't see any pictures of the bore and most of the time the description of the bore is way off. I use a Hawkeye Borescope to check mine out and have been surprised at how different the bore can look if spying through the chamber up to the muzzle compared to a direct inspection with a scope.

I only buy a rifle I can't directly inspect, from an auction or Gun Broker, for example, if I feel like I am getting a bargain and won't feel too screwed if I get less than I hoped for. I have learned, with many people's help from this sight, to examine the pictures very, very carefully and ask for more if needed. I have come out on both sides of this gamble but feel that I am ahead of the game with the risks I have taken so far.