Krag Collectors Association Forum

Serial number would seem to confirm its a cut down 1898 rifle.

A U.S. Krag receiver, in the 1955XX serial number range, would have been manufactured around April 1899.

This serial number, as others have noted, is outside the narrow range for model 1898 carbines, of which only 5,0002 were made.

The stock is obviously a 'cut-down' rifle stock. (Carbine stocks have a flat spring, that retains the barrel-band. Carbines rarely wear sling-swivels).

The 'banded' front-sight on this Krag does not appear to be U.S. Armory work.

The rear-sight may be a Dickson (model 1898) carbine sight. These sights were briefly used on some model 1899 carbines, but soon became obsolete and were likely auctioned off as scrap. A good specimen of this 3 'V-notch' sight sells for about $225.
(The rear-sight might also be a model 1902 carbine sight worth about $225 or it's just an incorrect combination of parts).

Attached photos: 1. & 2. Front and rear-sights of the cut-down Krag under discussion.

3. Krag model 1899 carbine front-sight and detachable sight hood/protector.

4. Details of the 'front half' of two 1899 carbines.

New photos on page one….my last post there. Dave

I passed on the Krag. Thanks for all the input. Dave

The front-sight is an unknown sight, made from something else.
The rear-sight is likely 'parted together', with a 'Rod-Bayonet' 1903 Springfield top on an 1898 sight-base.

Springfield Armory did not make original 24-inch barrels.

This Krag was altered to be some civilian's Deer rifle, a $300 Krag and a slow seller.

Nope. I would say that nothing there makes it close to the asking price.

No - not "military" any longer!

What everyone else has said - cut down rifle - little/zero collector interest. Fine for a shooter (if the bore is good) at about 1/2 the asking price as the accouterments do have some value. But, BIG kudos for being smart enough to ask first - SO many don't, and, as a result wind up with their tit (and their wallet) in grandma's wringer . . .

ouch!!