Krag Collectors Association Forum

I recently posted a version of this picture, circa 1902, from Springfield Armory.

I found a wider shot today.

Conrad Nelson is believed to be the man at the rear bench.

I'd love to know who is at the front bench?

They seem to be inspecting completed Krags.

Amazing picture Chuck!!!

Cool pic!

That's a Great picture!
It appears to my eye that each work table might have a notch in its left/front corner for a rifle's muzzle end to fit into.
Any ideas anyone? :-?

On further scrutiny of this photograph some further details emerge:

1. The workbenches appear to be adjustable for length. The bench backs reveal a sliding framework.

2. The two rifles being handled at the benches are model 1898 rifles and appear to lack rear-sights and hand-guards. (Stock bolt notch is '1898' & all of receiver ring is visible).

3. The front workman has the bolt open. The second workman (likely, Conrad Nelson) has the bolt closed and seems to be manipulating the trigger.

4. There are six outside windows visible and the tops appear arched.
(The type of work they are doing would be performed in the Hill buildings. This peculiar window arrangement suggests the location may be in one of the front 'wings' of the old Arsenal Building, now the NPS Museum).

5. On the window sill, there appear to be several oil or chemical containers. There is also a curious 'miniature building or village model' made out of 'round balls'. "Shop Art" or Planter?

The whole situation brings up the question, "What job are they doing"?

Testing and inspecting action function, installing or changing rear-sights and hand-guards, fixing action malfunctions or bedding problems, final bore inspection??? It boggles the mind!

I have to get a better copy of this photograph.

Just that one picture (for me at least) representing a scene typical of numerous points along the way, illustrates WHY the serial numbers are NOT found in order! Can you imagine the time that would be wasted in an effort to to so?

Amen to that!

My theory is that the workmen are: 1. either doing a final bore inspection. OR 2. involved in one of the rear-sight/hand-guard switches of stored completed Krag rifles.