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JacobCR
07-14-2013, 09:43
Some more forum fodder--In addition to the 1899 I recently got that came in an 03 stock, I also got this carbine (S/N 119569):

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/12170371/rifles-for-sale/bolt-action-rifle/springfield-model-1896-carbine-.30-40-krag-cal-bolt-action

http://imageshack.us/a/img32/5986/ty3v.jpg

It looked like a decent 1899 carbine stock (with aftermarket sling swivels, but it’s not too badly butchered), with what looked like a correct length carbine barrel and front band with, at least, a correct front sight base. Even though it’s dovetailed for the Marbles rear sight, I think a proper rear sight and handguard would cover it. Since I’m not much of a hard-core collector (more of an accumulator), I think it would make a good representative piece.

After looking it over, now I’m wondering if it may be one of the fabled 5000 real 1898 carbines. Aside from the rear sight, the barrel is the correct 22”, and the index marks on the barrel/receiver match with the “P” stamp on the barrel. I think the barrel was probably removed at some point to add the dovetail, but I don’t see any gorilla marks (vise or pipe-wrench). After looking more closely at the front sight, even though it was filed down to work better with the rear sight (I’m assuming), it does appear to have a small “C” stamped on the side.

http://imageshack.us/a/img826/4899/a600.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img62/1971/wp2t.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img838/7184/fx8k.jpg

There are also a bunch of seemingly random letter stamps at the front underside of the receiver and on the loading gate (inspection/refurb?):

http://imageshack.us/a/img838/5996/xjia.jpg

The stock appears to be an 1899 replacement, with no evidence of sanding, and no inspection marks or proof “P” behind the trigger guard.

I know that it could never be proven for sure (unless it hit in the SRS or other documents are found) so I’m looking at it as an "1898 Carbine*", with the asterisk denoting that it’s within the serial number range of known carbines with a couple of carbine features, and no positive ID as one of the 5000. It’ll probably be a fun shooter, though.

Mark Daiute
07-15-2013, 05:18
I own 119418. It too is in an 1899 replacement stock with no cartouches. There is what looks like the remains of the letter C or G just behind the trigger guard.

I'd like to see an overall photo of yours to see if it has a similar finish. The stock on mine is very dark. The bore on mine was completely toast when I got it so I had the barrel re-lined.

jon_norstog
07-15-2013, 05:47
??? All those random stamps! The lunchbox is case hardened and those stamps would almost have to have been done prior to that operation.

jn

Mark Daiute
07-15-2013, 05:51
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/DSCN2886_zpsd6b68f93.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/DSCN2886_zpsd6b68f93.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/DSCN2876_zps916edc6c.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/DSCN2876_zps916edc6c.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/DSCN2870_zps5e171300.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/DSCN2870_zps5e171300.jpg.html)

psteinmayer
07-15-2013, 06:48
Ok... now I know I'm off my rocker... In picture 3 (LH side of front sight), there appears to be marks that make it look like a teddy bears face, LOL Am I losing it???

madsenshooter
07-15-2013, 07:54
I agree Jon, those stamps were struck while the iron was hot.

5MadFarmers
07-16-2013, 09:55
Ok... now I know I'm off my rocker... In picture 3 (LH side of front sight), there appears to be marks that make it look like a teddy bears face, LOL Am I losing it???

Yes, you have lost it. It's clearly a Koala Bear.

http://5madfarmers.com/100/wp2t.jpg

Mark Daiute
07-16-2013, 12:51
I was very excited to have 5M5 finally weigh in on this thread. As usual his insight is most enlightening. Now I see the teddy bear. couldn't see it before.

Rick the Librarian
07-16-2013, 01:26
I was very excited to have 5M5 finally weigh in on this thread. As usual his insight is most enlightening. Now I see the teddy bear. couldn't see it before.

No kidding - certainly made MY day!! :D

Dan Shapiro
07-16-2013, 01:44
Looks like the 'Mickey Mouse' logo. Was Disney tinkering with guns?

5MadFarmers
07-16-2013, 04:09
Looks like the 'Mickey Mouse' logo. Was Disney tinkering with guns?

Walter Disney? Not a prayer.
Especially not one with a Koala Bear.
If Walt, with guns, did tinker.
His brother would have been the thinker.
Making them partners in a shooting gallery at the county fair.

After a hard day making guns at the Armory one suspects the workers spent some time at the locally brewery imbibing German style beer. The brewery was owned by a family of German immigrants. Sadly the prohibition ended that particular business so it's just as well the founder's grandson didn't enter the family business. Instead he wrote books and drew pictures. Some about Thing 1 and Thing 2 and some about a cat with a bent towards haberdashery.

The Geisel Brewery. Theodore Geisel. Dr. Suess.

I've become Paul Harvey it would seem.

psteinmayer
07-16-2013, 07:16
Yes, you have lost it. It's clearly a Koala Bear.


Walter Disney? Not a prayer.
Especially not one with a Koala Bear.
If Walt, with guns, did tinker.
His brother would have been the thinker.
Making them partners in a shooting gallery at the county fair.

After a hard day making guns at the Armory one suspects the workers spent some time at the locally brewery imbibing German style beer. The brewery was owned by a family of German immigrants. Sadly the prohibition ended that particular business so it's just as well the founder's grandson didn't enter the family business. Instead he wrote books and drew pictures. Some about Thing 1 and Thing 2 and some about a cat with a bent towards haberdashery.

The Geisel Brewery. Theodore Geisel. Dr. Suess.

I've become Paul Harvey it would seem.


LOL You kill me 5MF...... I'm dying here, LOL!!!!!