1st Year Production U.S. Springfield 1894 Krag Rifle, ANTIQUE, 280, O-218

Description

Synopsis:

Extremely early production U.S. Springfield 1892 Krag military rifle, SN 280, with 1896 upgrades! ANTIQUE!

Description:

U.S. Springfield 1892 Krag Military rifle, this example a first year production gun, made in 1894, SN 280, upgraded in 1896, now with replacement bolt (number ‘S13’) with the more extensive cutout. The stock was also upgraded to the 1896 form, having a plugged cleaning rod hole and a trap door in the butt plate for cleaning components. The rifle is chambered in 30-40 Krag caliber, has 30″ barrel with brass muzzle cap, pinned blade front sight and a Vernier type rear sight mounted in the hand guard, base graded to 6, the vertical component graded 7-18. “U” on the rear barrel band. Receiver marked US/1894 Springfield Armory 280. Stock is faintly cartouched on the left side. Behind the black painted trigger guard is the letter “G” over a pair of encircled “P”s. Blue finish on metal surfaces with walnut stock and hand guard.

Condition:

G-VG original blue with wear and fading as one would expect from an early production military rifle that was reworked/upgraded during its early service life. Stock with oil staining, dents, numerous superficial handling marks as carefully photographed. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Correct manual mechanics. One of the first Krag rifles to have been assembled in 1894, later upgraded in 1896. ANTIQUE!