Krag Collectors Association Forum

'POHO' posted a computer link to the Kongsberg Industrial group, that contained some uncaptioned photographs.

One, that caught my interest, was an assemblage of uniformed officers, (many draped with protective cloth), examining various aspects of Krag rifles.

It is the kind of photograph that raises more questions than it answers.

I searched a bit and found a copy that has a bit of an explanation. (I do like the huge protective 'tablecloth/bibs', sand bucket 'ashtrays', and the pattern of lamp oil drips on the floor).

In my wildest imagination, I would not have pictured such a scene.
I do recall having dinner at an authentic colonial tavern, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
All the patrons were draped in huge 'bibs', tied behind the neck by the wait staff, to protect our finery.

The Caption that I found, reads:
"Weaponry course for officers in the infantry and medical services, around 1897, in connection with the introduction of the Krag-Jorgensen gun.

The photograph was taken in a civil hall in an unknown location.

The Krag-Jorgensen gun was used as the main weapon for the Norwegian Armed Forces from 1898, until 1940".

(BTW - The label on the image is 'Krag restaurert' = 'Krag restored').

There is a whole lot of antics going on in this photo. I keep looking for platters of boiled lobster and alcohol!

Yeah, it is interesting…. Couple of observations:

- Two styles of uniform (grey and dark colored).
- Rear row appears to be elevated.
- There appears to be a stage behind a large tapestry.
- Two doors on either side exit the room to back stage?

- The tables are arranged to an audience which we do not see.
- The tables are of various lengths and one appears to have wings lifted — they tables are possibly pulled together from different areas of the room that were against the walls. Perhaps chairs normally fill the center of the room.

- I would guess there is a cloth for each rifle.
- Two of the men appear to be handling the rifles with the cloth — perhaps it is wet with linseed oil?
- The rifles would logically be new or refinished, as there seems to be extreme interest in a number of samples.
- There appears to be some smaller cloth pieces on the floor — perhaps this is what the buckets are for? Perhaps they are filled with water to prevent a fire (linseed oil).

- Norwegian Flags above each doorway
- Not sure what the larger flags are, they have a similar look but with only a horizontal stripe.

i noticed the ring of lamp oil under the center chandelier.

Some of those men look rather old to be active service military types, maybe in their 60s? Perhaps some sort of senior staff?

Are you saying it's a KCA "Krag Cleaning Orgy"?

Yes, that is what it appears to be

I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.