Original Danish Krag–Jørgensen Gevær M/89 Infantry Rifle with Duffle Cut dated 1896 – Serial 44987 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Krag–Jørgensen system was invented in 1886 by Captain Ole Herman Johannes Krag of the Norwegian Army and Erik Jørgensen, a Norwegian gunsmith. It was adopted as a standard arm by Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the United States. It was adopted in 1889 by the Danish Army to replace the Model 1867 Rolling Block rifle. Caliber is in 8mm x 58mmR and used a fixed side mounted 5 round magazine.

It was made in several variants, and this one is the Rifle M/89 (Gevær M/89): it is full stocked almost to the muzzle, has no top hand guard, a features a straight bolt handle and an outer steel liner for the barrel. This weapon is typical of the period in having a long barrel and stock without pistol grip. Was originally issued without a safety catch; instead, a half-cock notch on the cocking piece/firing pin assembly served this purpose. In 1910, this weapon was modified by the addition of a manual safety, which was placed on the right side of the receiver just behind the closed bolt handle.

This wonderful example was made in 1896 and is marked on the left side of the receiver

GEVÆRFABRIKEN KJØBENHAVN 1896.

M. 89.

This indicates manufacture at the Danish Rifle Factory in Copenhagen, which manufactured almost all of their small arms. The rifle features all matching serial numbers of 44987 on the barrel, receiver, stock, bolt, rear sight, bayonet lug, and all components of the magazzine. The rifle is in fine working condition, and has a great patina of age. It has a CROWN / 96 inspection proof over the chamber on the barrel.

The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. The lands are worn, so this rifle definitely did see service, but was well taken care of and cleaned after use. The stock is in good condition, however it has a “Duffle Cut” in the stock forward of the rear sight. This was a common thing to see on USGI bring back rifles, as they would take the barrel and receiver out of the stock, and then cut the stock in half so it would fit into a Duffle bag or crate. 

In 1892 the United States also adopted the Krag–Jørgensen system as the Springfield Model 1892, which then went through several revisions before being replaced by the Springfield Model 1903.

A scarce Danish infantry rifle that remained in Danish military service until WWII, then was probably brought home by a USGI after the war. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: 8×58mmR Danish Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine

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