Guns International #: 101573845
Seller's Inventory #: 1899 - Krag Jorgensen 30/40 Carbine

Category - Springfield Rifles - Antique - Military Rifles - US

Category
Springfield Rifles - Antique
Military Rifles - US

Springfield - Krag Jorgensen Carbine – Model 1899

Description:
                            Krag Jorgensen Carbine – Model 1899 - Serial #229239

Overview. . 
It was officially adopted by the United States Army in August 1899 as the "U.S. Magazine Carbine, Caliber .30, Model of 1899".  It may not make that much difference? But serial number records  show that this Carbine was produced in 1899. Because unlike Krag Rifles the Cartouche on the Carbine shows the actual year of production. So because the cartouche on the left side of the rifle is stamped with 1899, it is very likely that this carbine was actually produced in 1899. Most 1899's were produce between 1900 and 1902. 

Model 1899 Carbines are considered scarce, with only about 36,000 ever produced, which helps to maintain their collectability and value, as compared to the more common 1897 / 98 Krag Carbines.  Around 500,000, 98/ 97 rifles and carbines were produced by Springfield.   Given that only 36,000 1899 Carbines were produced, they represent only around 7% of the total Krag production. (1892 to 1903).   

The earlier Model 1896 and Model 1898 rifles and carbines served during the Spanish American War conflict. But the Model 1899 did not.  Leaving most 1899’s in pretty good condition, post Government use. After the 1902's were issued,  the 1899 Carbines were taken out of service.  And beginnning in the early 1920'S they were sold to the USA's General Population.  But, it is doubtful that this his Carbine was one of them because it shows very little to no abusive use.  More on this below.

It may interesting to note that the1899 Krag Carbines were produced between 1899 and 1902 specifically to address the deficiencies of these earlier 97/98 models during the Spanish / American War.  The 1899 improvements were significant, and after undergoing traditional testing and inspections, the 1899 Carbine was first issued to the military in August 1899. The 1899 Carbine service life was exclusive to the Cavalry Branch during the brief Philippine / American War.  As well as some limited use in the Boxer rebellion.  It remained in active service until the adoption of the M1903 Springfield Rifle, in 1903.
Per above:
It may be important to note that after the Springfield M1903 was adopted by the Military 1903, most of the government stored 1899 Carbines were sold as surplus to the public throughout the 1920s and 30’s.   Reducing the number of pristine 1899 Carbines significantly.  So, while 36,400 1899 Carbines were produced, the number of surviving M1899 carbines in their original military configuration is much lower than the production total, due to offering them to the general public for 20 years.   

Widespread Sporterization:  
After being sold as government surplus in the 1920s & 30 s, the vast majority of Krag rifles and Carbines were "sporterized" (stocks cut down and barrels shortened) by private owners for hunting.  Making an authentican  unaltered 99 carbine now considered scarce.   
Government Modification: 
Thousands of Krag rifles were officially cut down to carbine length by the Benicia Arsenal for sale to NRA members (known as "NRA Carbines"). These are often mistaken for authentic M1899 carbines but in fact, they are modified rifles.
Background of my ownership.
This Carbine was purchased directly from a private owner in 1969, (56 years ago).  He said that he did fire it a "little bit" and he always kept it inside his resident.  (he was quiet well off so I’m pretty sure the resident was climate controlled).  He did add that it was very seldom fired. I don’t recall how many years he had it?  Since then, it has always been displayed in a temperature / humidity-controlled environment. I never fired it. 
I had a Garand for that.  

Details:
The following meets every description that I can find, for an “as-issued” 99 Carbine.
Please let me know if I should look for any other stampings or markings?

• The Barrel length is 22 inches, exactly as it should be. 
• The Stock is near perfect for the age,  Normal aging with no sigificant dark areas / spots'                             
• There is a "C" stamped on the Right Side of Front site - 
• There is a "C" is stamped on the Left Side of the Rear Site towards the front 
• There is a "C" stamped on the Right Side of the Rear Site towards the middle. 
• There is a "C" is stamped on the rear site in the middle, between the adjustment knobs.(this is important)  If there is no "C" then the carbine is a either a cut down rifle or a model 98 or earlier carbine.  Be sure to check for this. 
• The 1899 Inspection / Acceptance Cartouche)  is clearly visible on the left side of the stock.
• There is a stylized “P” stamped under the hand grip of the stock.  

Overall Condition
The fit and finish is very good to excellent and he action very smooth, criisp and tight.. The stock is in very good orginal conditional, with age approprite blimishes and scratches. So, for its' age the stock is in very good condition. More on this below.  There is only age-appropriate moderate patina on the bright metal, and some very moderate ( barley noticible) oil residue build-up in the creases and tight areas. I was careful to never clean the the outside of this Carbine with oil or liquid or any kind, in order to keep the condition as original to the production date as possible. Why? 
Over cleaning causes Oil and Dirt Saturation into the wood, caused by repeated application of gun oil and grease over many years. Which then gets absorbed into the wood's pores.  Especially around metal-wood contact points like the receiver and trigger guard. This saturation traps dirt and grime, resulting in a dark, often nearly black, appearance.  Many older Military rifles in Civillan circulation have this issue. 

Except for a "tiny" areas near the butt plate, cartouche and where the bolt closes, this Rifle does not have any darkening issues,  It  was in prestine condition  when purchased nearly 60 years ago and it was never cleaned on the outside with oil. Just a light rub off with a chamis.  The inside of the barrlle has been lightly cleaned with a nilon brush about every 3 to 4 years. The receiver, ditto.   And per above it has never been out of a controlled environment, as long as I have had it.  Probably longer? 

The riffling is in very good condition especially for the age of the Carbine.  Please see the T&C's below. If you have any doubts about any of the above?  You are encouraged to search for a gun shop or gunsmith int the Clearwater / St. Petersburg area to have this Carbine inspected and to address any concerns with them on the phone. 
 
There are a lot of Krag enthusiast out there if you see an error or misidentification in any of the above?  Corrections and / or comments would be very welcome, because it is important to get this description, as accurate and complete as possible.
 
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and put back in the wood by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health from a condition stand point, most much better than appropriate for the age. They have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me, since purchased. Since I acquired them, the entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master. For reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few of the newer rifles that are listed. Limited to a total of <200 rounds, max. Most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places. This is due to never over cleaning them to maintain as much originality as possible.
Firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. Most have (sure looks like) as issued: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.

All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. A thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.

All descriptions related to a Firearms are based on best knowledge. No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense. If you have or can find  a qualified contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them for inspection and consolation with you. I will not attend this call. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.

Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations, regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm: Is the responsibility of the purchaser to meet, and/or abide by. Based on my knowledge, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. But to be really clear,
I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License. And complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and it protects the Buyer because my complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form. Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License. And. the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license. Or at least the license number prior to shipping. All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing, is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative. Thank you for your understanding and agreement: 
Jim Christman 
jtc0218aol
727 560 8560

Rifle Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Manufacturer: Springfield
Model: 1899 Krag Carbine
Condition: Very Good

Price: $3,600.00