OALW 82

[kw64]

I have a model 1899 Krag carbine that has a small oval plate screwed into the bottom of the cheek part of the stock, where a sling swivel would go normally, that says "OALW 82". Has anyone seen such a marking on a krag before. I have no doubt it was applied after it left service, but have no idea wha it might mean or refer to. Any ideas?

thank you :)

[Dick Hosmer]

These guns, frequently called "Red Ryders" by the late Krag guru Bill Mook, due to the peculiar coloration of many of their stocks, were "put togther", some faked, all at least refinished, by a man in the Midwest named Ostberg/Ostburg. I cannot recall his first name - I think it was Stan or Sidney, but am not certain.

OALW stands for Ostberg Armory & Locomotive Works. He f**ked over Lionel Trains as well. While often found in very nice condititon, the carbines bear a certain stigma amongst most collectors, because they are not original SA work.

A bittersweet "plus" is that he DID mark his work, in contrast to others who have just put fakes together and sold them to the highest bidder.

[butlersrangers]

"OA&LW" kind of sounds like the "Mitchell's Mausers" of Krags. Thanks for the history, Dick.

[kw64]

Thank you. the carbine looks correct as far as I can tell, (but I am not expert at all), with the exception of the small oval plate with the OALW 82 and the shiny butt plate. The sights look right and the stock has the cartouches in the right place. It has the 1899 cocking piece without the knob. Not sure whether to keep it or not. It was listed without any photos showing the OALW 82 plate.

[butlersrangers]

'kw64': I have no idea about what you paid for it or what your intent is regarding this model 1899 carbine (correct collection piece or 'correct looking shooter').

Perhaps if you posted some detail photos, you would get useful feedback regarding its correctness and value. This might help your decision regarding keeping this Krag.

[kw64]

Thank you. the carbine looks correct as far as I can tell, (but I am not expert at all), with the exception of the small oval plate with the OALW 82 and the shiny butt plate. The sights look right and the stock has the cartouches in the right place. It has the 1899 cocking piece without the knob. Not sure whether to keep it or not. It was listed without any photos showing the OALW 82 plate.

[kw64]

To answer your question it would be a stretch to call myself a collector, but I do like period accurate pieces. However, probably not down to the level that some real collectors want. I have posted some photos and would appreciate your opinion on this carbine. To my uneducated eye everything looks good except the OAWL plate and the shiney butt plate. thanks

Ken

[kw64]

To answer your question it would be a stretch to call myself a collector, but I do like period accurate pieces. However, probably not down to the level that some real collectors want. I have posted some photos and would appreciate your opinion on this carbine. To my uneducated eye everything looks good except the OAWL plate and the shiney butt plate. thanks

Ken

[butlersrangers]

'kw64': Your Stock and hand-guard look like nice Italian walnut ones. I believe your Model 1899 carbine, #235485, was built around November, 1899. The 'knob-less' striker-rod is probably correct for your carbine's number range. The Stock 'cartouche', dated 1901, probably indicates the Stock was switched by someone or during a rebuild. Your 1901 rear-sight is a rifle base that someone has stamped with a "C". A 1901 carbine base is marked to 5 (500 yards) and the "C" doesn't look right on your base or the edge of the leaf. A carbine leaf goes up to 23 (2,300 yards). More pictures will allow more observations.

(photo of a real 1901 carbine sight attached).

[kw64]

thanks. Here is another photo of the rear sight. I am not sure how to attach more than one photo per post. I think I paid too much for this carbine: $1,600 but the sellar is willing to take it back. They specialize in cowboy guns, not old military pieces. I suspect it is too much a patch work of pieces to keep. Thoughts?