Original Antique U.S. Springfield M1898 Krag–Jørgensen Saddle-Ring Carbine serial 134360 with Sight Guard – Made in 1898 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the very hard to find  Springfield Model 1898 Krag–Jørgensen Carbine, which definitely looks to have had some components swapped out at arsenal at some point, and possibly again after released from government service.

It measures approximately 41 inches (1,042 mm) in overall length with a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. The The Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen rifle is a Norwegian-designed bolt-action rifle that was adopted in 1892 as the standard United States Army military longarm, chambered in U.S. caliber .30-40 Krag. All versions and variants were manufactured under license by the Springfield Armory between 1892 and 1903 and famously served as the longarm during the Spanish–American War. Although Krags were popular, unique and efficient, the side loading gate mechanism was slow and cumbersome to reload in combat compared to the clip loaded Spanish Mausers the Krag was up against.

The M1898 rifle differs from the earlier M1892 version, in that the magazine cut-off operates in down position and a three-piece cleaning rod is stored in a butt trap. It also had an improved rear sight and tighter production tolerances to give better accuracy when compared to its predecessors. The differences over the M1896 were mainly incremental, with changes to the sight and other parts.

Our example is stamped on the receiver, highlighted with white:

U.S.MODEL 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.  134360

Research reveals that serial number 134360 dates the time of manufacture to about august of 1898, which is part of U.S. fiscal year 1899. Springfield Armory produced 5001 M1898 carbines that year. As this was produced during 1898 or earlier it is Federally considered an “Antique Firearm”. The Carbine Model 1898 features features the later bolt with the extractor with pin and the receiver is machined to work with the pin.

The handguard on this example actually looks to be for a model 1896 Carbine, and the rear sight is also the 1896 version, with the correct C on the top of the ladder. There is also a rare barrel band sight guard directly in front to protect it. The stock is fitted with a M1896 solid smooth buttplate with a curved toe and butt-trap, which is empty. It still features the original 22 inch barrel, and has not been modified from the original issue configuration. The front sight has been covered with what looks like an aftermarket hood protector, and white paint added to the rear to increase visibility.

Metal condition is a very good worn blue, though it looks like someone used black paint to try to “touch up” the finish at some point, and most has now been removed. The bolt is still the original bright steel, with some staining in areas, as we often see. It still retains the original saddle ring bar, complete with one slider ring.

The stock is in good condition, with a lovely color, though it does have some cracks around the wrist area, which have been repaired. There is also a chunk missing from the left side of the handguard. The original boxed cartouche on the left side just behind the saddle bar is still faintly visible, reading JSA / 1898, for J. Sumnar Adams, the Springfield Armory master armorer of the period. The original stylized “P” on the stock under the trigger guard is also present, showing the rifle passed the barrel overpressure testing.

The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish, with just a bit of overall fouling. There is light wear on the lands, so this is a carbine that saw service, possibly after it was released to the general public. The carbine cycles nicely, and appears to be fully functional.

A great chance to pick up a hard to find U.S. military carbine! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber:  .30-40 Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.