help identifying my model 1898 krag

[Marathon44]

I have a model 1898 that I inherited from my father. It has been in the family since a great, great, grandpa was in the Spanish American war. We have letters that he wrote when he was in the war. It has a cartouche "1899". From my research I think it is a rifle. Serial number 315091. It looks all original. The sight looks like the example you have for a 1901 rifle. Any help would be great. I want to know when the gun was made, in service, what it may be worth, how to care for it?

[Magilla26]

I have a very similar model. Model 1898 Serial #314301. Mine was made at the Springfield Armory 1901.

[Marathon44]

Thank you. Is my family correct that this was one of the guns used by my relatives in the Spanish American War? We also received a 45 caliber Smith and Wesson officer sidearm revolver 1915 from the same person.

[Magilla26]

I can't answer the question about the history of the rifle. I got mine from a relative of a friend and have only owned it for a few years. Someone else on this forum might be able to answer that.

[butlersrangers]

'Marathon44': Welcome to the KCA Forum. You are fortunate to be the custodian of a U.S. Krag that has been in your family for a long time.

The 'Spanish War' was of short duration (April 21, 1898 toAugust 13, 1898). Model 1898 Krag production started July 8, 1898. Most U.S. Army Regular Troops were using Model 1896 Rifles and Carbines and most U.S. Volunteers were using 'Trap-door' Springfield Rifles during the brief SAW conflict.

However, in the Philippines following the defeat of Spain, the U.S. became embroiled in long conflicts, suppressing the Philippine Forces of the Rebellion, and then fighting an Insurgency. Model 1898 Krags saw increasing use in these later conflicts.

When the 1903 Springfield Rifle was adopted, the Krag continued in gradually declining use, as it was replaced. It eventually became primarily a National Guard arm. Numerous Krags were repaired, refurbished and rebuilt at Springfield Armory. During WW1, it saw use as a training arm and apparently with some 'rear echelon' troops (like U.S. Engineers and troops guarding French railways).

Your Krag, #315091, was likely built early in 1901. It is also likely it was refurbished or rebuilt and received a different Stock, with an "1899 Cartouche", during the process. Such 'mismatches' are common and never bothered anyone until Collectors came on the scene.

It is not possible your Krag was used in the SAW (Its Receiver was not built until 1901). It could have seen use in the Philippines, during the war against the Insurgency. It is more likely a relative may have used it in the National Guard, or brought it home following WW1, or purchased it in the early 1920s, because 'it was like one he carried in the war'. (Just MHO).

Nice Krag by the way!

[olderthansome]

The Spanish American War was started and finished in 1898. Although there were probably many Model 1898 rifles issued during the war, there was also a significant number of Model 1895 and 1896 models used and even a few 1894's. Most of the volunteer regiments were still using trapdoor Springfields from the 1870's and '80's. Your 1898 was made after the war so if your relative was in the war in 1898, he couldn't have used that rifle or the pistol that you mentioned.

It might be fun to find out which specific regiment he served in and then try to learn the history of the unit and what weapons they carried.

[butlersrangers]

'Marathon': If your S&W .45 cal. Revolver looks like this one, it would be a WW1 Model 1917.

[Magilla26]

Love the photos.