This is a nice Model 96 Krag rifle that has survived 108 years in nice shape.  While the US military experimented with a few bolt action designs in the 1870's and 80's, this Krag Jorgensen design was the first bolt action to be officially adopted by the US military.  Chambered in the new .30-40 Krag cartridge, this was also the first US military longarm to be chambered for smokeless powder.  This is just a nice pure example of a Model 1896 and is identical to ones taken over to Cuba by US Army regulars during the Spanish American War in 1898.  Its complete with its original early style military sights (no upgrades), swivels, sling, stacking swivel, bayonet lug, military cartouches and trapdoor buttplate.  Barrel measures 30".  The serial number is in the 82,000 range and was probably made around early 1898.  The cartouche also looks like its dated "1898". 

Overall condition is NRA Antique Fine Plus with 85-90% original barrel blue.  Action still shows dark fading mottled case colors...Krags never really had vibrant colors to begin with.  The bolt is still bright and the catridge extractor still shows 95% bright vivid fire blue.  Rear sight still has 70-75% original blue.  Bands and triggerguard show 25-75% blue.  Very nice wood is in NRA Fine condition with perfect wood to metal fit and on minor handling marks.  The cartouche on the left side of the stock is in good shape and legible...completely visible but a little lighter than it would have been "as issued".  The circle P behind the triggerguard is also a tad light but all there and visible. Nice action.  Bore is excellent with strong sharp rifling and no pitting.  Comes with a nice old military leather sling.  One of the better Krags we've had in several years.

Item# 0500

SOLD