Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1898 Krag-Jørgensen

Serial Number: 264466

Year of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: .30-40 Krag

Action Type: Bolt Action, Fed by Side Mounted Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL 1898. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 264466”. The markings on the bolt handle are no longer legible. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a faded “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a boxed inspector’s cartouche “JSA / 1903” (J.S. Adams). The forend has “W.I.D.” carved into it.

Barrel Length: Approximately 30 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set and pinned atop a raised base. The rear sight is a square notch escalator assembly with a two position flip-up tangent U-notch marked out to 20.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has a straight grip, cutout for the bolt handle, finger grooves, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There is moderate handling marks throughout. The forend has been completely broken in half and repaired. There are small chips. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. This stock rates in about Fair to Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion . In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately none of its metal finish. The finish has moderate thinning with most all finish having turned to patina. The action has moderate wear. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads show light use. The receiver markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1898 Krag-Jørgensen represents a transitional era in American military rifle design—bridging the gap between single-shot black powder arms and the modern bolt-action rifles that would define the 20th century. Introduced at the tail end of the 19th century, the Krag was the U.S. military’s first small-bore, smokeless powder service rifle and featured a unique side-loading magazine system that set it apart from its contemporaries. Manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1900, this particular rifle is part of the final years of Krag production before the adoption of the 1903 Springfield. This example bears the correct “JSA / 1903” cartouche from inspector J.S. Adams, confirming its arsenal-inspected history. The rifle retains clear receiver markings, a full 30-inch barrel, and its original ladder rear sight. The bore, while still showing defined rifling, is dark and heavily eroded, rating 4.5/10. The stock has been refinished and shows signs of significant service life—including a repaired break through the forend and carved initials “W.I.D.” adding a layer of personal history to the rifle. Nearly all original finish has worn to a uniform patina, giving it a true antique field-used appearance.

For collectors and enthusiasts of U.S. military arms, this 1898 Krag offers an honest, well-used example of a historically important design. While its condition may not suit a museum display, it stands as a solid representative piece—ideal for historical interpretation, restoration projects, or educational displays. The Krag’s unique magazine and smooth action remain a favorite among military rifle aficionados, and even in its worn state, this rifle preserves the legacy of America’s first leap into the era of modern service rifles.