Hi,
Hope you can help with some information on a Krag I own. The serial # is 131706 and it's a model 1898, cal. .30-40. It looks identifcal, or very similar, in configuration to the gun shown on the homepage in the "sporter" section.....row two, left photo as seen, bottom gun, with sling.
The fellow I bought the guns from, in New Jersey, told me it belonged to his grandfather who bought it from the NRA in the 1920s-30s. He also noted that the gun came from a Gov't arsenal in California where it had been converted from a long rifle.
He said the carbine stock, and the front and read sights were from later model Krags and were installed at the gov't arsenal. I seem to recall the stock is for an 1899 carbine and the front sight is for a model 1903.
All this is consistent with what is written about such guns in Flayderman.
There is a faint cartouche on the stock behind where the saddle ring once was. There is a metal plate where the ring used to hang. The letters on the cartouche cannot be read.
The seller said his grandfather bought it as a hunting rifle but didn't shoot it much. It sat in a closet for many decades. It's in excellent condition, with some minor dings and such on the stock.
Any thoughts on the story, value? I recall I paid $400 for it.
Thanks.