This is a rare and desirable example of an early carbine that is marked 1895 without the word "Model" as noted in Brophy's book on the Krag rifles. The carbine is an early variation of the 1896 carbine of which only 1,378 were manufactured. It has the correct saddle ring and bar on the left side with the 1896 rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards and short no-hump handguard. The stock has an excellent boxed "JSA/1896" cartouche on the left side of the wrist and script "P" proof near the trigger guard. Single barrel band, cleaning rod (included) in butt cap with no space for the oiler and early or possibly variant thumb safety slightly smaller than the standard Model 1896.

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish and 40% original case colors remain on the receiver. The loading gate and remaining parts have silvered out case color. The cartouches are clear and distinct. The wood is very fine with only minor handling marks from field use and a hairline crack near the receiver tang. These early 1895 Dated Krag carbines saw heavy use and are very desirable in this condition.