North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Montana Premier March 4th Collector Auction

Sat, Mar 4, 2023 11:00AM EST
Lot 40

U.S. Springfield Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen Rifle

Estimate: $400 - $800

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is a US Military Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag-Jorgensen bolt action rifle chambered in 30-40 Krag. All versions and variants were manufactured under license by the Springfield Armory between 1892 and 1903 and famously served as the longarm during the Spanish–American War. The Army began testing bolt action designs in the 1870s and 1880s, but it was not until the trials in 1892 that the Krag Jorgensen became the new standard issue longarm. It was designed by Norwegian military officers, Ole Herman Johannes Krag and Erik Jørgensen, and was subsequently adopted by Norway, Denmark, and the United States. The most distinct aspect of the Krag Jorgensen rifles and carbines is the built-in magazine design, which hinges open from the right side of the action. When the United States adopted the Krag Jorgensen in 1892, it was under the nomenclature of the Model 1892, despite production not starting until 1894. With the new rifle came the new 30-40 Krag ammunition. Also known as .30 Army, .30 Government, and a host of other monikers. It was the first smokeless powder cartridge adopted by the U.S. Government. They served as the standard U.S. military firearms in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American war, the Moro Rebellion, and remained in use into the 21st century even after the adoption of the famous Springfield Model 1903. The rifle features a 30" long round barrel, side loading gate, walnut stock and barrel cover, bolt action, bayonet attachment point, and leather shoulder strap. The side of the action is marked "U.S. Model 1898. Springfield Armory. 310844". The stock displays a cartouche marked "FFA 1907". The piece shows a blade fixed, front sight with an adjustable rear sight set on the wood barrel shroud. The rifle shows good condition with some wear across the stock due to age and use. The piece shows tight mechanics with a good trigger and smooth operation. Serial Number: 310844.*