A Typical Newbie Question
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:17 pm
I have a Krag that has been in my possession for 65 years. Prior to that it was owned by two OLD gentlemen who were of the age to have been in the Spanish War. However, more likely in the Phillipines. My brother and I found it in their barn after they were long deceased with no relatives. It may have been used as a salute rifle for funerals as we found a couple boxes of blanks with it. We preserved it since. My brother, now deceased, apparently put varnish over the wood and possibly the metal parts as a teenager. Since then it has been untouched. 50 years ago I bought a box of ammunition and shot it a few times. The blanks helped celebrate some un-remembered occasion.
It is the Model of 1898 with a serial number that shows that it is a 1901 manufacture. 321xxx. It is the full 30" barrel length with no modifications that I can detect. I added an original cleaning rod and oiler kit and a reproduction brass muzzle cover a few years ago.
Recent discussions with some of my friends made me search for markings and cartouches. There appears to be a very faint circle behind the trigger guard toward the butt. I've heard about the Circle P marking on many Krags but I can't make out a letter. In addition there are number just in front of the top of the butt plate. They read "26" over "8? " the question mark is either an "7" or a "1" with a "bar" above the 1. I assume they are rack markings used for inventory purposes. The 26 may indicate the 26th Infantry Regiment but ??
I found that the 26th Infantry Regiment was activated in 1899 and deployed to the Philippines in 1901. The 26th remained in the Philippines for many years and possibly included the Philippine Scout unit.
I doubt that he rifle is anything special but would be interested in hearing anything your members might be able to tell me about it.
Thanks in advance.
It is the Model of 1898 with a serial number that shows that it is a 1901 manufacture. 321xxx. It is the full 30" barrel length with no modifications that I can detect. I added an original cleaning rod and oiler kit and a reproduction brass muzzle cover a few years ago.
Recent discussions with some of my friends made me search for markings and cartouches. There appears to be a very faint circle behind the trigger guard toward the butt. I've heard about the Circle P marking on many Krags but I can't make out a letter. In addition there are number just in front of the top of the butt plate. They read "26" over "8? " the question mark is either an "7" or a "1" with a "bar" above the 1. I assume they are rack markings used for inventory purposes. The 26 may indicate the 26th Infantry Regiment but ??
I found that the 26th Infantry Regiment was activated in 1899 and deployed to the Philippines in 1901. The 26th remained in the Philippines for many years and possibly included the Philippine Scout unit.
I doubt that he rifle is anything special but would be interested in hearing anything your members might be able to tell me about it.
Thanks in advance.