bolt markings

[bobgar]

I am new to Krag collecting. Are Krag bolts stamped with markings. I know 1903 Springfields are stamped with the steel lot code for certain years. Do Krags have something similar.

[madsenshooter]

The first bolts for model 1892 rifles, bolts with full width guide ribs were numbered to the receiver, from around #31 to 400, when the practice was discontinued. Then around serial # 15500 the steel lot number code was "sometimes" stamped on the rear flat of the bolt handle, usually one or two letters and a number. I just picked one up at random, it has a J on the rear flat, looks like a poorly stuck 0 on the bottom flat. Quick pick of another shows a 5 on the bottom flat. One more shows an 18 J on the rear flat. I haven't quickly found any with no markings, but might have a few around.

[bobgar]

Do you know if there is a table that tells what years or serial numbers go with the bolt markings my bolt has a E and an A.

[madsenshooter]

I doubt there's any such table, especially since so many have be rebuilt over the years. For example, many 1892 rifles no longer have an 1892 bolt. There have been some collectors who might have found such trivial tidbits, I can't say for sure, and don't know of any.