Serial Number / model year ???

[Brad]

Howdy friends,
Just had a person contact me regarding a Krag they want to sell. I have no idea where they got my name or e-mail but what they have seems interesting though they dont say carbine or rifle.
In trying to help them figure out what they have I checked the serial number in my POYER book.
They said its a model 1896, serial number 16025N ??
My book says that is a model 1894??
Also, dont know what the "N" means.
Any help would be appreciated???
Thanks

[madsenshooter]

My guess is that the N isn't an N. Unless it's a 94 that someone added the N to, and that's not easy after the receiver is hardened. If it's something other than an N, it ought to be a model 98.

[psteinmayer]

Any chance we could see a picture of the receiver showing the markings (Model and Serial)? Also some pictures of the entire Krag would be helpful in making a determination as to correctness and value.

[Brad]

I am trying to get a photo.
As always, thanks for the help.
Am I correct in that serial number is from 1894??
Thanks

[butlersrangers]

Brad: Your post throws a curve at everyone because there is No Letter in U.S. Krag serial numbers.

[Rick the Librarian]

16025 started out as a Model 1892 rifle

If the "N" is a number (like "X") the rifle is a Model 1898 rifle.

Simple as that ...

[Dick Hosmer]

Brad - this is getting silly about the number(s) - there is another way to solve the "mystery".

Look at the receiver, and stock, around the root of the bolt. Is there a flared bevel in the wood and a "U" shaped ring of metal at the bottom of the cutout, or does the bolt simply sit in a square notch?

[Brad]

Thanks guys for all the input.
My delema is now that my, in aparently all of yours interest is arroused. The person that e-mailed me "out of the blue" wont return my messages??
I had mentioned to them that if altered "cut-off" any value is probably greatly effected.
Well, I havnt heard back. Must have been the case.
But thanks all.
PS, I am still looking for a decent "REAL" carbine if anyone kows where I might find something.
Not real sure just what I can afford right now. But I changed my focus to all Springfields and I do not yet have a Krag Carbine.
Got a great rifle 762 S/N. Would that be a 92??

[Dick Hosmer]

Yes, #762 would be a very early M1892 rifle. Is it unaltered, or has it been brought up to M1896 spec - most were.

[butlersrangers]

'Brad' - The unsolicited e-mail must have been about one of those Nigerian Krags. That is what the "N" stood for!