Can anyone Help ID these markings??

[Dick Hosmer]

Here is a picture of an early M1899 carbine from the short period during 1900 when the headless cocking piece (and the rare M1898C sight, graduated for the short-lived "hotter" load which apparently cracked a few bolts) were in use. Contrary to earlier beliefs, that cocking piece is also correct on the few rifles made at the same time.

M1899 Carbine OA.jpg (51.23 KiB) Viewed 1250 times

[butlersrangers]

The 'headless' cocking-piece was an economy move, that proved to be more expensive to manufacture than the conventional one.
It was used on both rifles and carbines.
It was approved in April 1899 and stopped being manufactured in October 1900.

It was being manufactured, approximately, while Krag production from serial number 202000 to #288000 took place.

Since a serviceable 'headless' cocking-piece could be re-used, during arsenal rebuilding, it may be seen on some rifles and carbines outside my 'guesstimate range'.

[scottz63]

The 'headless' cocking-piece was an economy move, that proved to be more expensive to manufacture than the conventional one.
It was used on both rifles and carbines.
It was approved in April 1899 and stopped being manufactured in October 1900.

It was being manufactured, approximately, while Krag production from serial number 202000 to #288000 took place.

Since a serviceable 'headless' cocking-piece could be re-used, during arsenal rebuilding, it may be seen on some rifles and carbines outside my 'guesstimate range'.

So, my Krag Serial #244531 should have the 'headless' cocking-piece? It does not currently.

[butlersrangers]

Just about all U.S. Krag rifles and carbines underwent rebuilding, at least once, so the answer regarding the 'headless' cocking-piece on your Krag is no, not really.

The regular cocking-piece probably provides better eye protection and deflection of escaping hot gases, in the event of case failure.
The conventional Knob also allows easier Bolt disassembly.

There is a lot of inaccurate mystique surrounding the Krag 'headless' cocking-piece. It was once thought to be a model 1899 carbine thing.
Collectors mistakenly put them on 'as issued' carbines, in the belief that it made them more "correct".

[scottz63]

Got it, Thanks! I wouldn't like the 'headless' cocking-piece anyways as it's not as user friendly for bolt take-down and de-cocking.