Excellent Krag Rifle, Mirror-Bottom Barrel, .30-40 Caliber, Model 1898, Untouched

Krag Rifle – Model 1898, US Army

Manufactured: 1898+ – Caliber: .30-40 – Special Feature: Mirror-Bottom Barrel

History

In 1885, the French chemist Paul Marie Eugène Vieille revolutionized weaponry by developing B powder, also known as smokeless powder. Much more powerful than traditional black powder, it marked a turning point in the evolution of firearms. In a Europe in turmoil, still reeling from the Franco-Prussian War, the major powers modernized their arsenals. The French developed the Lebel rifle, while the Germans designed the Mauser, each adopting smaller but significantly more powerful calibers. On the other side of the Atlantic, the US Army Ordnance Department tested 35 different weapons before selecting the Norwegian Krag model. At the beginning of 1894, the Springfield Armory launched production of the first Krag-Jørgensen rifles for the US Army, marking a turning point in its history: it was the first weapon manufactured by Springfield not to bear its name. At that time, the US Army had approximately 15,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry, illustrating the growing importance of modernizing military weaponry.

Our Model

This Krag Model 1898 rifle, issued to the military, is in excellent condition, both aesthetically and mechanically.

It has retained a good proportion of its original bluing, which is uniform and deep. The markings are correct and perfectly legible: the standard "U.S." inscription, the serial number 395XXX, and the model designation. The wood is in excellent condition, with a uniform and warm tone. The military inspection markings are clear, notably the "JSA" cartouche (initials of Inspector J.S. Adams) on the left side of the stock, as well as the "P" proof mark. A small mark on the left side above the trigger guard is present but does not affect the overall condition. The original metal buttplate is perfectly fitted.

Mechanically, the weapon is flawless: smooth cocking, consistent firing, and precise operation. The 30-inch barrel, chambered in .30-40 Krag (.30-40 U.S.), has a near-new, mirror-like bore with deep, well-defined rifling.

Used during the Spanish-American War, operations in Mexico, and the China Expedition, this Model 1898 Krag is an important example of late 19th-century American standard-issue weaponry. A high-quality Krag rifle, sure to appeal to both the discerning collector and the historical shooting enthusiast, thanks to its remarkable condition and heritage value.

Sold with its sling.

Accompanied by its official Category D classification certificate, issued by the National Proof House of Saint-Étienne.