First Krag 1898

[usmc-nav]

I recently purchased my first Krag. Cartouche is 1903 and I believe it to be correct for the serial number of the rifle. Anyone know what the markings are on the stock left side?

[usmc-nav]

[Dick Hosmer]

The most logical assumption would be C Company, Second Infantry, rack #27.

Other interpretations are possible of course, but that is the generally accepted one. Such markings (nearly always in white, BTW) are very common on M1888 rod-bayonet trapdoors, but quite scarce on Krags.

[psteinmayer]

Very nice looking Krag. How's the bore? Did you find any tools or oiler under the butt plate trap?

[jon_norstog]

A little quick and dirty research: from Wikipedia

"In August/September 1900 the 2nd Infantry was deployed to deal with the Philippine Insurrection during which it fought in over 25 engagements on several of the islands. Three soldiers were killed and twelve wounded between 4 November 1900 and 10 February 1902. In May 1903 the regiment returned to duty in the western United States, it was stationed at Fort Logan, Colorado and Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming. In February 1906 the regiment was redeployed to the Philippines and remained there until returning to the United States in March 1908. The 3rd Battalion went to Fort Assinniboine, Montana and the balance of the regiment to Fort Thomas, Kentucky for training and garrison duties until deploying to Hawaii in 1911."

By the SN on your rifle, and assuming Dick's interpretation of the markings is correct, this rifle was probably issued when the regiment came back from the Philippines. Based on its condition I would say it had a pretty boring life in-service. And it would have been retired before the 2nd was sent to Hawaii in 1911.

Those poor SOB's missed all the fun, stuck there on that island. What a bloody shame.

jn

[psteinmayer]

Boring service life equals nice bore and an accurate rifle! Shoot er' at Camp Perry!!!

[Tom Trevor]

Another option since the regular army issued orders NOT to mark weapons dating back into the indian war era. That marking could be the second regiment of any state guard unit issued Krags afier the regulars had their 1903 rifles 1908 on.

[DRAGONFLYDF]

nice Krag, beware, they can be addictive, but then I say that about the Trapdoor, Arisakas, Swiss rifles, smoke poles,

[psteinmayer]

Amen to that Dragonfly!

[Hatilight]

Looks very nice, I love my Krags. I'm sure your rifle shoots great