Stamps on stock

[Thomas]

As I was carefully cleaning the stock of my Krag. I found two stamps. I was wondering if there was any way to find out what they meant?

[cdagnese]

Posted photos of the stamps would help immensely.

[butlersrangers]

Stamps! (Neat 1st Day Cover).

Oh, what 'cdagnese' said.

[Thomas]

Here is the pictures of the stamps.

[butlersrangers]

Thomas: The first stamp is what is often called an 'Inspection Cartouche'. The script initials in the box are JSA, for James Sumner Adams, Assistant Foreman of the Assembly Room, at Springfield Armory. His stamp was placed on Krags, when they were accepted into service, from 1894 to 1904. I can't quite make out the year on your Acceptance Cartouche. If this is the original stock on your Krag, it would indicate the year of acceptance for service.

The script 'P' in the circle is a 'Proof' indicating the Arm has been tested and fired for proper function.

[Thomas]

thanks that explains both stamps.

The Inspection Cartouche appears to have a date of 1898. It was the round Cartouche I was wondering about.

[butlersrangers]

Thomas: If you posted your Krag's serial number, or at least the first three digits, it would allow one to tell if an 1898 Stock Cartouche is consistent with the manufacture/acceptance time frame. What Model Krag do you have, 1896 or 1898?