I need your opinion on my 1898 Krag stock

[ncsammy]

Im new to the Krag Collectors Forum, but Ive been collecting US and foreign military rifles for many years. I have a question about my 1898 Krag rifle, which has a walnut stock that is lighter in color than most Ive see. I understand that some Krags were made with lighter color Italian walnut, but Im not sure if mine is one of them. I would appreciate hearing from the Krag experts on this. Thank you in advance.

Sam

[ncsammy]

Pictures of my Krag can be seen at:

http://s832.photobucket.com/user/getsnaps/library/Krag%20Model%201898%20Rifle?sort=9&page=1

[Dick Hosmer]

To my eye at least, that is not one of the light Italian walnut stocks, which have an almost unique "yellow" tone to them, nor is that the period in which such stocks occur.

I THINK it is a genuine period stock, but the pics (which are well-chosen and well-lit) are awfully blurry. It very well may have been chemically cleaned and re-oiled, however, as it appears somewhat on the light side of "normal".

[butlersrangers]

"ncsammy": Welcome to the KCA Forum. I consider myself a Student of Krags, not an "Expert". (I look at them a lot, pay attention and try to learn from my fellow collectors).

You have a wonderful looking Model 1898 Krag that I would love to own and study first hand. IMHO - I do not believe your light colored stock is Italian walnut. I do not see the distinctive grain, burl, or tiger stripe that is usually present. From my observation, the Italian Krag stocks usually have 'cartouche' dates of 1899, 1900, or 1901. The grain appearance and 1903 'cartouche' of your light colored stock suggest American black walnut to me. (The 'seasoned stock wood shortage' was probably over by 1902-03).

It is possible there was some very expert 'refinish' work done on your Krag. It appears to me from your photos, someone may have 'chased' (engraved) the lettering and serial number. The lettering appears bare and bright. It should have the same metal finish as the rest of the receiver.

Attached are a couple of photos contrasting some light-yellowish Italian walnut Krag stocks with darker North American ones.

[butlersrangers]

Contrast:

'ncsammys' receiver with shiny markings compared to a receiver with finish on markings.

[ncsammy]

Thanks for your very helpful comments, guys. As to the lettering, I believe a previous owner filled in the stamped letters on the receiver with white-out or some other fast drying liquid to enhance the writing. I've seen this on other (mostly foreign) military rifles.

[reincarnated]

The white-out application is pretty common if someone was trying to keep a photo record of specific guns.

[1911Ron]

Beautiful Rifle! Thanks for sharing!