Krag Collectors Association Forum

Thought it would be nice to start a new topic on the M1898 carbines that Val99 started yesterday as a new member with a nice find of an arsenal variation of an authentic M1898 carbine.

Val99's M1898 carbine is the third variation with the long stock, no carbine swivel and M1901 carbine rear sight. His is SN:122309.

It would be nice to get a count of the number of authentic M1898 carbines of all 3 variations from KCA members and guests. We can see how many of the original 5002 we represent here.

Most of the M1898 carbines are found in the SN range of 115XXX to 135XXX but there are a number of authentic carbines found outside of this range. They need to be evaluated a little more carefully. Mallory lists one M1898 carbine in the SRS with SN:154770.

Dick Hosmer showed his M1898 in a correct short stock and carbine swivel. His is SN:131024.

I had posted pictures of my third variation with a long stock, no carbine swivel and an M1901 carbine rear sight. That one has SN:120864.

Below is my second M1898 Krag carbine in the first original production with the short stock, carbine swivel, M1896 carbine rear sight and M1896 short hand guard. I believe this carbine has been together as an original piece from Springfield Armory. This one has SN:120021. This one is listed in the Springfield Research Service manual as being assigned to CO H 5th USV INF which served in the Philippine Insurrection Battle of Manila in 1899. The bore shows light pitting with good rifling.

More carbine pictures:

(If this is out of place, I will gladly delete this entry).

FWIW - My model 1898 carbine, (#119744), did not survive intact. It was likely updated by Springfield (to 1899 carbine configuration) and later 'Sportered' for a Hunter.

It came to me, from Pennsylvania, in a nice model 1899 carbine stock, with a "circled P" Proof. (I re-purposed that stock to restore a 'worthy' model 1899 carbine).

I was able to maintain some of the carbine appearance by putting the model 1898 metal into a 'sportered' carbine stock. (From which, I cut off an added pistol grip for my sanity)!

The original carbine barrel has a near mint bore, but, it is blemished by an added 'dovetail' which holds a Marble's open-sight. The original front base holds a Marble's blade.

The "Fatal Flaw", to restoration, was the tapped holes in the receiver. The best I could do was re-use the holes by putting on a Weaver side-mount & vintage scope.

Even with its blemishes, it is a very accurate and fun to shoot Krag.

It is what it is.

None-the-less, it is another M1898 Krag carbine to add to the list. We're working towards 5002!

Nice job with the stock. Looks great. Can you post a shot of the receiver markings? Thanks.

(I like the "It is what it is." How true of many of the Krags we collect!)

Those holes in the receiver just stare back at you like evil eyes! They are so annoying to see on a nice Krag. The scope mount is well used to cover them up though. Hard to imagine there was a time when it wasn't considered sacrosanct to drill into and ruin a beautiful Krag receiver like this. At least they spared the entire serial number.

I have two M1898 Carbines. One has been upgraded to the M1899 configuration and the other one is still in the M1898 SRC configuration

Pics of the M1898 SRC

Thanks for the posting and pics 98src. I see the serial number of the original first variation carbine is SN:134317. Can you give us the serial number of the other one?

I love the nice 1898 cartouche on the short stock of the 134317. Mine only has a remnant cartouche.

So, 2 more to add to the list. Thanks for sharing.

Yes...I think it can be seen in this picture.

M1898 carbines so far:

122309 Val99
131024 Dick Hosmer
120021 Whig
120864 Whig
119744 Butlersrangers
126417 98src
134317 98src