These carbines were used throughout the Spanish American War and late in the Philippine Insurrection, most famously by future President Theodore Roosevelt's 1st Volunteer Cavalry "Rough Riders"; among other distinctions, the Rough Riders were the only non-regular unit to be issued the Krag for action in Cuba, due to the political connections of the leadership. Rider-issued Krags fall in four known serial number blocks, with this one squarely in the first, 26,784-28,995. Fixed blade front and 2,000 yard "C" marked ladder rear sights. The casehardened receiver is marked "U.S./1895. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 28191" on the left side (appropriate for a very early production 1896 Carbine). The stock is of the proper short carbine style with an extended barrel band to protect the rear sight from bumping into the saddle boot, a short saddle ring on the left side followed immediately by a "JSA/1896" cartouche, a circled script "P" behind the trigger guard, and a flat buttplate with a trapdoor cleaning rod compartment (two out of three rod segments included).

Very good. A mixed dark brown patina is present on most of the metal surface, with a few areas of rough texture and mild spotting. The bolt body shows a mixed bright gray patina with traces of old storage grease. The stock is also very good with clear cartouche, some cracks around the magazine and side plate, along with some light chipping around the toe and scattered scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent.