1898 US Krag

[highpower]

I went to the Big Reno Gun Show today and after walking through it a couple of times, the only thing there that I felt that I couldn't live without was this 1898 Krag rifle.

What a beauty, the bluing is in the 90% or better range and the stock is very nice. Very sharp 1901 inspectors cartouche and nice script "P" firing proof. This Krag has one of the best bores I have ever seen and looks as though it has never been shot.

One odd thing is that it has a "CA" stamped on the stock in front of the inspectors cartouche and what looks like a turtle?? above that. I would imagine that the "CA" could stand for California militia/national guard issue, but the darned turtle has me stumped.

Edited to add that the turtle turned out to be a weak ordnance stamp.

Anyway, here it is:

[2761377]

that looks more like a typical Crossed Cannons Ordnance stamp and a spurious ding than a turtle.

[highpower]

Now that you pointed that out, you are probably right. I wonder why the edges are so clear while the center of the stamp is blank?

[Emdawg]

Very nice! Reminds me of my own Krag!

[Capybara]

That is a beaut. Nice score!

[joefrank64k]

From now on, I will always see a turtle when look at an ordinance cartouche.

ETA: BTW, very nice looking Krag!

[mtenenhaus]

i've got to find one in nice shape as well...always like them. congratulations

[jigenax]

Very nice! The US military blanket is nice touch.

[w55]

Nice!!

[highpower]

Here is a picture of it with a few of it's new friends. To avoid redundancy, I only used one of each model.

[Nickgt40]

Beautiful gun, I've always liked the way these looked and the actions are usually spectacular.

[knucklehead0202]

...totally looks like a turtle. Nice rifle, congrats!

[VegasND]

Nice acquisition; Krags are cool rifles.

[Capybara]

Great collection. Why is the receiver on your M1 Garand so shiny in comparison with the barrel? Is it just the lighting or is the finish worn away or is it parkerized a different color?

[Enfield47]

Congrats, very nice Krag.