Howdy,
New to the board and Krags, just got an 1896 rifle, sn 55374.
Anybody give me an idea of who it was issued to? Thanks ahead for any info
Hello the Camp
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psteinmayer
- Posts: 2688
- Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 2:31 am
Re: Hello the Camp
Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of Krags. We're a great bunch here... and you'll find plenty of great help here.
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Onlinebutlersrangers
- Posts: 9882
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
- Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan
Re: Hello the Camp
'mattds45': Welcome to the KCA Forum.
Only a very small percentage of Krag serial numbers appeared in official records and documents. Your Model 1896 Rifle, #55374, was made around February, 1897. Completed Krag receivers were numbered and put into parts bins. Assembly and acceptance of completed arms did not occur in numerical order.
The closest SRS recorded numbers to your rifle are 55321 and 55376, both Model 1896 rifles, that were destroyed at New Cumberland, Pa., 5/17/1929. (I don't know if the large number of Krags destroyed, on that date at New Cumberland, was intentional or accidental). I have not yet found any information on a Fire or other natural disaster that struck this U.S. military depot.
I suspect the 'New Cumberland Guard' was intentionally scrapping obsolete and unwanted military equipment - I could be totally wrong. Thousands of Krags perished on that date, 86 years ago!
(Please post some pictures of your Krag for better feed-back).
Only a very small percentage of Krag serial numbers appeared in official records and documents. Your Model 1896 Rifle, #55374, was made around February, 1897. Completed Krag receivers were numbered and put into parts bins. Assembly and acceptance of completed arms did not occur in numerical order.
The closest SRS recorded numbers to your rifle are 55321 and 55376, both Model 1896 rifles, that were destroyed at New Cumberland, Pa., 5/17/1929. (I don't know if the large number of Krags destroyed, on that date at New Cumberland, was intentional or accidental). I have not yet found any information on a Fire or other natural disaster that struck this U.S. military depot.
I suspect the 'New Cumberland Guard' was intentionally scrapping obsolete and unwanted military equipment - I could be totally wrong. Thousands of Krags perished on that date, 86 years ago!
(Please post some pictures of your Krag for better feed-back).
Re: Hello the Camp
Ok, here is a picture (I hope). Not too proficient w/ a computer
Re: Hello the Camp
There is around 80- 85% original finish, the bore is worn, but the rifling is good. Once I cleaned her, she shoots pretty good- 3/4" @ 50 yds.
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Onlinebutlersrangers
- Posts: 9882
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:35 pm
- Location: Below the Bridge, Michigan
Re: Hello the Camp
'mattds45': That is a mighty nice looking model 1896 Krag rifle with 'goodies'. I'm glad it wasn't at New Cumberland, Pa., on 5/17/29, whatever was going on there!
Thanks for posting a picture and sharing.
Thanks for posting a picture and sharing.
Re: Hello the Camp
Here is a thought- the New Cumberland fire was a way of getting rid of obsolete equipment as butlersrangers suggested. In the process, many were 'liberated' and not actually burned.