Krag Serial# 438271 *corrected # *

[1911Ron]

I have had this rifles for a few years and it is great shape. If I remember correctly it was towards the end of production when they adopted the 1903.






I would like to have it entered into the database please, thanks Ron

[Whig]

I would go with SN: 438271 not 488271.

Can others evaluate closer?

Beautiful Krag and great cartouche!

[1911Ron]

More pictures added.

[butlersrangers]

I think "1911Ron" got the number correct, (488271).

Possibly, the Die has distorted the second '8'?

It never ceases to amaze me, how difficult it is to read serial numbers on some Krags.

A very nice Krag, 1911Ron!

[Whig]

It would be nice to have a clearer enlargement of the serial number. I sure see an open "3" for that second number.

"3"s stamped on Krags have a squarish bottom to the number whereas the "8"s are rounded. Big difference.

1911Ron can you take a close up and enlarge that serial number for my curiosity?

Thanks!

[Dick Hosmer]

NICE rifle!!! For now, at least, I'll go with 438271 also.

[Whig]

I snapped a couple pictures of two of my Krags to highlight the difference between "8"s and "3"s on Krags. This is for fun until 1911Ron gets some closeups for us to examine better.

There have been different variations of fonts used by SA for stamping Krag serial numbers over their short manufactured lifespan. But, OP's Krag displays both an "8" and a "3" to compare directly. My two below concur with his numbers on his nice Krag rifle. Deeply stamped "3"s almost always look like "8"s.

"8"s are usually rounded and "3"s are usually squared.

[butlersrangers]

The serial number font on Krags seems to change at times.
Some digits may get odd as Dies appear to wear out, clog with residue, or fail. (They were stamping the markings on casehardened steel)!
The depth of the 'strike' also appears to vary. Sometimes there seems to be 'mixed number styles' even within a serial number.

I am not arguing. I am pretty 'ho-hum' about serial numbers.
It is a reality that some U.S. Krag numbers are easy and some are very difficult to read.
Sometimes a magnifying glass and varying the lighting are in order. Photographs can help or fool.

It makes you wonder how important the serial number was to the Ordnance Department, "back in the day".

IMHO - Probably there is a significant 'error rate' in some numbers reported in SRS Data. :'(

Attached are some sample numbers from: 1897, 1901 (2), and 1903:
(FWIW - My number, closest to "1911Ron's", has a 'flat-topped 3'. No mistaking that "3" with an "8" .... "Dohz Wascally Spwingfield Gwemlins")!

[Dick Hosmer]

I recall "arguing" with Frank, 30 yrs. ago, over the 8xxxxx number(s) shown in KRS1.

He was adamant in keeping them in the list, even though CLEARLY wrong.

[butlersrangers]

Dick Hosmer - That is a neat conversation that you have shared.

No criticism is intended toward Mr. Franklin Mallory, but, it would have been helpful if he had indicated "sic" or "suspect" on serial number records that he found questionable.