Krag Collectors Association Forum

There is a Model 1898 Krag rifle on gunbroker that has this HH stamp, with the Ordnance Dept. 'crossed cannons' above, on its stock. It has this stamp in addition to a 1902 cartouche. Does anyone know the story of the "HH Stamp"? Was it a rebuild stamp from a later era?

I do not know - but I have precisely the same combination of markings on a stock of mine.

I have this HH as well. My Krag is an 1898 - full length. A gold star for anyone who figures this out!

Hopefully, with increased awareness and more people looking, a Rosetta Stone will be found or developed to unlock the who, what, why, where, and when of Krag stock markings that seem to occur between 1903 to 1918. (Rebuild or refurbishment marks, is my guess, but where and when)?

I'm 'bumping' this thread from 2013-2014, because another example of the "H.H." stamp with an 'ordnance wheel' is being asked about, today.

In the past 18 year interval, I am not aware of anyone throwing more light on the subject of Krag 'rebuild stamps'.
I have not found anything in writing, beyond Frank Mallory's brief and confusing mention, in "The Krag Rifle Story", 2nd edition, page 191:

"Around 1908, the practice of placing a special mark on rifles cleaned and repaired at government arsenals was initiated. This mark consists of the letter "A" for Springfield and a series of letters ("B", "B", "C". etc.) for Manila Ordnance Depot."

I have never owned a Krag stock, stamped with the ordnance wheel & two letters.

I did have one stock that had a large "J", stamped next to the 'acceptance cartouche', which I believe was used to identify a (now, unknown) rebuild facility, as mentioned by Mallory.

Some (of my) thoughts on 'supplemental' stock stamps:

The single stamped letter near the cartoche, likely serves the function suggested by Mallory

In 1907 and 1908, Philippine Constabulary short rifles were fabricated from carbines, with altered rifle stocks. The altered stocks were likely marked with an additional Manila Ordnance Depot cartouche ["MOD"].

From 1906 to 1915, altered carbine/short-rifles, ("School Rifles", identical to the P.C. model) were produced at Springfield and Rock Island, for private U.S.military schools. I imagine an inspection cartouche was applied.

Benicia Arsenal had a cartouche [B.A.-W.J.] that appeared on some of their work, especially model 1896 carbine up-dates.

IMHO - The two 'two letter & ordnance wheel' stock stamp has a more modern look to it. A similar 'ordnance wheel', IIRC, appears on the stocks of some M-1 carbines and M-1 rifles.

Maybe these Krags were in Army or Navy hands during WW2? "H.H." is temptingly suggestive of Honolulu, Hawaii, and "C.A." is kind of 'California looking'?
(Maybe, a Naval connection? This is just a Wild Speculation on my part, based on nothing)!

Just as another example of a HH stamp,
For reference it's an 1898 made in 1903, has a 1901 rifle sight, and came to me as a sporter with a pacific peep sight, 22 inch barrel with a 1903 front sight,

I hope we break the "code" someday!