How should Krag metal look?
Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2022 6:39 am
Our U.S. Krag rifles range in age from 119 to 128 years. Each Krag has had an individual and varied history of use, environmental exposure, and human treatment, care, alteration or neglect.
It is likely that most Krag rifles and carbines, underwent some type of official repair and refurbishment, during a rather lengthy period of service and storage.
An owner will often wonder if a Krag is displaying its first (original) finish or if his U.S. Krag was subjected to an Arsenal/Armory refinish?
Given the fragile nature of the finishes used on Krag parts and the harsh treatment the arms were often subjected to, I find it rather tricky and hard to be certain.
(Frequently, the 'verdict' of various evaluators' seems colored by conflicting views, knowledge and opinions).
FWIW: I've attached some photos of Krags that I own. I think it likely they have all undergone refinishing at the Armory or at an Arsenal.
Two of the actions shown are rather dull black inside the magazine. I believe those were likely Armory/Arsenal refinished.
The other two Krags pictured, I'm not so sure.
My general thinking:
If the rust browned parts are a strong blue, the extractor retains a rich 'flame' blue and the receiver, magazine-gate & side-plate have a dull 'blackened' appearance, I think this is very likely it is an Armory/Arsenal refinish.
If a Krag has strong blue colors and the receiver has discrete mottled colors or is turning 'silvery', I think it likely a Krag may be displaying the first original finish.
When wear and exposure have thinned the various finishes and the parts and colors take on a patina, I find it much harder to have a certain opinion.
If the wood and metal have a nice "been together a long time look", I don't really worry too much. It looks "honest".
Fortunately, it is usually very obvious when a Krag has been abused, messed with, or improperly refinished.
Protected nooks and crannies of the receiver often preserve colors, blacking, and give clues about a Krag's last metal finish.
As 'Whig' has stated, pictures don't always reveal things accurately.
Direct examination and the human eye can pick up subtle clues that the camera misses.
It is a wonderful aspect of the KCA Forum that we have a chance to view and share views of our Krag rifles & carbines, as well as experience and opinions.
It is likely that most Krag rifles and carbines, underwent some type of official repair and refurbishment, during a rather lengthy period of service and storage.
An owner will often wonder if a Krag is displaying its first (original) finish or if his U.S. Krag was subjected to an Arsenal/Armory refinish?
Given the fragile nature of the finishes used on Krag parts and the harsh treatment the arms were often subjected to, I find it rather tricky and hard to be certain.
(Frequently, the 'verdict' of various evaluators' seems colored by conflicting views, knowledge and opinions).
FWIW: I've attached some photos of Krags that I own. I think it likely they have all undergone refinishing at the Armory or at an Arsenal.
Two of the actions shown are rather dull black inside the magazine. I believe those were likely Armory/Arsenal refinished.
The other two Krags pictured, I'm not so sure.
My general thinking:
If the rust browned parts are a strong blue, the extractor retains a rich 'flame' blue and the receiver, magazine-gate & side-plate have a dull 'blackened' appearance, I think this is very likely it is an Armory/Arsenal refinish.
If a Krag has strong blue colors and the receiver has discrete mottled colors or is turning 'silvery', I think it likely a Krag may be displaying the first original finish.
When wear and exposure have thinned the various finishes and the parts and colors take on a patina, I find it much harder to have a certain opinion.
If the wood and metal have a nice "been together a long time look", I don't really worry too much. It looks "honest".
Fortunately, it is usually very obvious when a Krag has been abused, messed with, or improperly refinished.
Protected nooks and crannies of the receiver often preserve colors, blacking, and give clues about a Krag's last metal finish.
As 'Whig' has stated, pictures don't always reveal things accurately.
Direct examination and the human eye can pick up subtle clues that the camera misses.
It is a wonderful aspect of the KCA Forum that we have a chance to view and share views of our Krag rifles & carbines, as well as experience and opinions.