 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VET’S Springfield KRAG Rifle Corporal Theodore Vesper’s Rifle
Guns International #: 101334645 Seller's Inventory #: 8100
Category: Springfield Armory Rifles - Springfield Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1448
Total Number of Listings: 29901
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VET’S Springfield KRAG Rifle
Corporal Theodore Vesper’s Rifle
Here we present an antique U.S. Springfield Model 1892 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Rifle, made in 1894 at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. This rifle belonged to Corporal Theodore Edward Charles Vesper of E Company, 2nd US Infantry, a veteran of the Spanish-American War. Vesper was born in Germany circa 1876 and became a naturalized citizen. He joined the Army for a 3-year stint, on the 24th of May 1896 and was discharged the 8th of April 1899. He was initially stationed on the plain fighting the Sioux during the Indian Wars when he and the rest of his regiment were called into action at the beginning of the Spanish-American War, sharing the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, the USS Yucatan. The regiment was led by two American Civil War veterans from Missouri, Lt. Col. William M. Wherry & Col. John Coalter Bates. The 2nd fought at the San Juan Heights “in support of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Rider Cavalry” (per Stanley A. Rolfness), as well as in the battle of Santiago. As part of the “Record of Events” reads on the accompanying Company E Roster: “were held in reserve until about noon when ordered to take position to the left of San Juan Fort: held position (notwithstanding a desperate night attack by Spaniards) July 2nd, until Santiago de Cuba was finally surrendered.”
Following the war he mustered out as a Sergeant, and records show that Theodore Vesper remained employed by the US government in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, teaching engineering at the Tomah Indian Industrial School in Tomah, Wisconsin circa 1903-1911. He is specifically listed as a “steam & electoral engineer” in his 1918 draft registration card. In 1901 he married Emma Weber, daughter of Bruno Weber of St. Joseph, Missouri, in a ceremony in Omaha, Nebraska. The Vespers had one daughter, Marie D. Vesper-Cardy, born circa 1902 in Nebraska. Theodore earned his citizenship in 1902. The family eventually moved to Salem, Oregon. Theodore died at age 52 in 1929 of complications of malaria, with which he had struggled with ever since contracting the disease in Cuba.
This rifle was originally made in 1894. It remains in fine condition. Accompanying this rifle are many of Mr. Vesper’s original personal belongings as well as many original documents, most having to do with his military service. These include a framed E Company 2nd Infantry roster of who was there for the Cuban campaign. This details the action and movements of the regiment and company, as well as who was injured or wounded. The framed photo was taken in January of 1899 of Camp Shipp in Aniston, Alabama. Camp Shipp was a temporary reserve camp that housed active duty troops between the ending of Spanish-American hostilities and the signing of a treaty. Three photos of Company E show Mr. Vesper. He is the mustachioed, fair-haired gentleman standing in front of the cannon in the first photo. He is the third from the left in the second photo, marked by a small blue X. He is also the third from the left in the front line of men in the final photo, sitting on the ground. 4 other original photos are included. Emma’s name is on all of them, and Marie’s name is on one. The final photo appears to have been taken in Montana. Original documents are included such as his discharge and promotional papers, citizen papers, Wisconsin National Guard papers, pension papers, and provenance from Emma & Marie Vesper, as well as family friend Stanley A. Rolfness. Several of the books have Theodore’s name on or in them. 20 medals and badges, the rifle’s bayonet, and other various accoutrements are also included.
The overall condition is fine. The steel surfaces bear 60% of the original blue finish. The markings are clear and legible. The walnut stock is in great shape. The bore is very fine, bright with excellent rifling. The action is strong. This is a rare opportunity to own a very nice antique Krag-Jorgenson rifle with a litany of provenance and original documentation, not to mention all sorts of personal effects of the soldier who fought with it in battle. If you are interested in this “Splendid Little War” as Teddy Roosevelt referred to it, this may be the only time you will ever see something like this.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 30 inches.
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$5675
#8100
SOLD
Antique: Yes