Questions about my Krag

U.S. Military Krags
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Tarheel
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2025 4:50 pm

Questions about my Krag

Post by Tarheel »

I have this Krag rifle in my collection of US military long arms. It is a 1898 rifle unmodified in good condition. The stock has a sharp 1902 cartouche. On the toe of the but there are the stamped numbers and letters E. 3. 39. Any idea what that means? Also trying to figure out the rear sight. I went through Brophy's book but still not sure. The serial number is 412286 so I assume it was made in 1898? Thank you for your help. Will send sight picture on separate post (too large)
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Dick Hosmer
Posts: 2418
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:11 pm

Re: Questions about my Krag

Post by Dick Hosmer »

No, your rifle - while it is the Model of 1898 - was likely made in 1902, as the storekeeper's acceptance cartouche indicates. Only the earlier receivers were dated with year of manufacture ("1894", "1895", and "1896"). The word "Model" was added to the inscription at around 37100.

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Whig
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Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:53 am

Re: Questions about my Krag

Post by Whig »

The stamping on the butt plate most likely represents a rack number from a National Guard or other armory storage system. It's nice to have a great Krag rifle like you have!

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