Help needed identifying model and value

[GreigM]

I obtained a 6.5 x 55 Krag from my father and am trying to find out about it - model number, history and value.

The barrel, breech and bolt have "NA 1943-573" stamped on them, along with German third reich symbols with "WaA84".

I gather "WaA84" was the acceptance stamp of the Waffenamt, who was responsible for testing and approving firearms for the army. I'm thinking that "1943-573" means it was manufactured in 1943 and was the 573rd unit in a production run.

Any additional info or tips on where I could find out more about what model this is, history or value would be really helpful.

[butlersrangers]

GreigM - Welcome to the KCA Forum.

Your Dad's Krag is a Norwegian 'Occupation Model' that has been put in a custom stock. The metal has been refinished and it has been drilled & tapped for the commercial scope and Weaver mount.

The collector/historical value has been destroyed by the "sporterizing".

IMHO - The rifle's present value is its 'utility value'. (Probably $300 to $400).

These rifles are interesting because they were built grudgingly at the Kongsberg Arms Factory by unwilling workers. The Norwegians showed a lot of ingenious resistance in bogging down production.

The model was derisively called "Stomperud" after a 'screw-up' comic strip character, Army Private - "Nr. 91, Stomperud". (Kind of a Norwegian "Beetle Bailey"). (The Norwegians 'borrowed' the character from a Swedish comic strip, Private, Nr. 91, Mandel Karlsson).

Your are correct about 1943 being the year of manufacture. The second number, 573, is your rifle's serial number.

William Brophy's book, "The Krag Rifle", has a very interesting chapter on the Norwegian Krag models.

[GreigM]

Thank you so much for the information.

Is there an inexpensive way I can get a copy of Brohpy's "The Krag Rifle"? Amazon and other copies on-line seem to start around $165.

[butlersrangers]

Occasionally, a good used copy will appear on eBay for around $100.

[GregCandR]

It is interesting that it has a checkered carbine bolt handle and not the round rifle knob.

[butlersrangers]

I guess some Occupation Models being "made up from parts" might explain the carbine bolt.

[GregCandR]

It is hard to tell if it has a stepped down barrel like my Stomperud. It looks to have been heavily polished. Not sure if it still has a bayonet lug from the pictures. It is interesting.

[butlersrangers]

It is not unusual for the bayonet lug to be filed off of 'sported' Norwegian Krag barrels.

[GregCandR]

It is not unusual for the bayonet lug to be filed off of 'sported' Norwegian Krag barrels.

Right. Was saying that I wasn't sure, by the pictures, if the lug was still on there hidden by the fabric or not. And it is hard to tell If the outside of the barrel has been polished down from the 'Stomperud' level of finish or if it has the more smooth finish of an original Norwegian carbine barrel. Therefore to me it is interesting. Not in a bad way or good way, just interesting.

[waterman]

Bayonet lugs & similar attachments usually screw up barrel harmonics and accuracy. Filing away the lug might improve accuracy a bit. We'll never know what the original modifier intended, better accuracy or just better looks.