Another 1894 Question

[pparonin]

I would like to say thanks to all for letting me join.

My question is about a 1894 SN# 18796. It has a 22" bbl.muzzle s flat,small round maybe "crowned" / 41.5" oal. Full leangth stock,just shy of the muzzle.Metal tip-with screw.
Curved metal butt plate with trapdoor. on the right side above the trigger is a faint cartouch,fancy "P" stamped on the bottom of the web and a brass pin "23" on the right side near the butt. There is no cleaning rod grove
The front site is bladed and hooded, rear(appears to be a 1901 type) flat with ladder graduated from 1-20,notch on top of adjuster/peep attached bellow it.
I have had this piece in the family for years and have tried to determind if it a nicely done "sporter" or if it a rare factory job. So many mixed opinions ,I thought I would ask the experts.
I will post pics as soon as I can figure out how to on the site or can take requested shot if it will help.
This has been a pet prodject of me and my father for almost 15 years, until he passed away Dec 23,2004. Figured maybe I could finnish it out by finally finding out what it is we have.

[Don_B._in_KS.]

Deep sympathy regarding your dad. Mine passed away Dec. 24 1998, one of four Christmas funerals I have done in the past 10 years, and it certainly darkens the season.
I believe you have a well done sporter built on an M1892 reworked to 1896 specs. It is cut to carbine length and should be a really nice shooter but didn't leave Springfield Armory in that arrangement. Not really a pot of gold as far as monetary value is concerned but a nice rememberance piece and heirloom from you dad.

[pparonin]

Than you Don for the kind words.
I am going to try to post some pics to see if that helps too.Couldnt get images to post so here are some links.
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867522.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867736.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867380.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867286.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867230.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/1784448/3435384/78867146.jpg

[Ned Butts]

Nice pictures. They confirm what the numbers tell us and what Don posted above, you have is nicly done "sporter". The collector value is minimal but the faimly history makes it very valuable to you. Most Krag sporters are very good shooters so enjoy it along with your good memories.
Happy shooting,
Ned

[pparonin]

Than you again.
Is there anyway to find out if it was done by a company or group? Im sure if an individual gunsmith performed the work it possibly impossible to ever know whom it was.
It is a great shooter. My father,older brother and myself have all used it over the years as a hunter.
I had a local gun dealer appraise it for the estate. I have to put a price on it for such. His appraisal seems a little high for a "sported" model, can anyone give me a ballpark value or name a local Krag person to have one done? Im planning on trying to keep it myself but, there is some controversy with other heirs as to its actual value now that it being a sported model apposed to a "rare" version.
They knew it was being researched and heard if it was factory it was worth a lot more than it is but, greed and gun ignorance wont allow a couple to here the truth.
I want it no matter the value so any help is greatlyneeded and thanked in advanced.

ED

[Paul Smith]

Thanks for all your help. Ill have to keep looking into it locally on my own.

[Tom Butts]

Paul,

It was most likely done by an individual gunsmith. There was a lot of sporterizing of Krags done in the 50's and 60's. They were very inexpensive at that time, so people bought them and cut them down into hunting rifles.

The big companys that dealt in cut down Krags were Bannerman and Stokes. Neither of them made a model in the configuration of your gun.

Still a nice job and interesting looking.

Best regards,
Tom
[glb]KCA[/glb]