1898 Krag - The Firearms Forum

dre67 · 10-22-2010, 04:01 PM

I have an 1898 30-40 Krag that was given to me by my father. I'm wondering if it has some value and what I can learn of the history of this weapon.

kingcuke · 10-22-2010, 06:25 PM

Saw one go at an auction for $345 a few weeks ago didn't look at it too close so not sure of age or condition in comparison to yours.
I carry one for the local Legion Post funeral honor guard which while still functional is chromed and never fired.

Jim K · 10-22-2010, 07:12 PM

It is a U.S. Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen rifle, but that is about all I can tell from those poor pictures. The "Krag" was the U.S. service rifle from 1892 to 1903, with three main models, 1892, 1896 and 1898. The cartridge is the .30-40 and commercial ammunition is still available.

That one does not look to be in very good condition, with most of the receiver blackening gone, and some pitting. In top shape, they go for $700-1000, but from what I can tell that one would be in the $350-400 range.

Look on the left side of the stock forward of the pistol grip and see if there is a cartouche (inspector's mark). If so, it should read JSA and a date, probably 1902.

Jim

10-22-2010, 04:01 PM	#1
dre67 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 4	1898 Krag I have an 1898 30-40 Krag that was given to me by my father. I'm wondering if it has some value and what I can learn of the history of this weapon. Attached Images -->

10-22-2010, 06:25 PM	#2
kingcuke V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cucumber Island Posts: 154	Re: 1898 Krag Saw one go at an auction for $345 a few weeks ago didn't look at it too close so not sure of age or condition in comparison to yours. I carry one for the local Legion Post funeral honor guard which while still functional is chromed and never fired. __________________ Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good. H. L. Mencken It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen. George MacDonald

10-22-2010, 07:12 PM	#3
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: 1898 Krag It is a U.S. Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen rifle, but that is about all I can tell from those poor pictures. The "Krag" was the U.S. service rifle from 1892 to 1903, with three main models, 1892, 1896 and 1898. The cartridge is the .30-40 and commercial ammunition is still available. That one does not look to be in very good condition, with most of the receiver blackening gone, and some pitting. In top shape, they go for $700-1000, but from what I can tell that one would be in the $350-400 range. Look on the left side of the stock forward of the pistol grip and see if there is a cartouche (inspector's mark). If so, it should read JSA and a date, probably 1902. Jim