The Krag-Jorgensen bolt action was invented by Captain Ole Krag and Erik Jorgensen of Norway around 1886, and variations were adopted by Norway, the Dutch, and of course the United States. Though named Model 1892 based on the year the design was selected after trials, the first Springfield Krag-Jorgensen rifles were manufactured in 1894 due to protests over the selection of a foreign design and a second trial of American designed guns, none of which were considered the Krag's equal. It became the first standard U.S. infantry arm chambered for a smokeless cartridge. American soldiers used the Krag-Jorgensen primarily in the Spanish-American War and subsequent Filipino Insurrection and some remained in use even into World War I. As noted in "The Krag Rifle Story" by Mallory and Olson, several of the earliest rifles were given to the governors of each U.S. state and General Ordway in Washington, D.C. and others were sent to various arsenals and ammunition companies. Most of this occurred in April 1894. Other early rifles were also sent to each country of origin for the Krag-Jorgensen's competition in the trials. The vast majority of the Model 1892 First and Second Type rifles were later updated to the Model 1896 configuration, but this very early production example remains in its original configuration. The defining aspects of the original First Type Model 1892s which were all manufactured in 1894 are the solid 2 inch long upper barrel band with integral bayonet stud and sling swivel, the one-piece iron cleaning rod with slotted and ribbed head, uncrowned muzzle, lack of hold-open pin and related provisions, solid buttplate and stock without compartment, straight toe, and handguard that does not extend over the receiver ring. This one retains all of these features and also has the correct early brass head on the ramrod which was changed to steel after just 300 were issued. It the standard early Krag sights which are graduated out to 1,900 yards on the ladder and not adjustable for windage, "1894." followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY." and "33" on the left side of the receiver, crisp "SWP/1894" cartouche with angled corners on the left side above the trigger, small "J" stamped behind the trigger guard, a leather sling fitted to the swivels on the lower band and the butt, and an "1894" marked U.S. Model 1892 knife bayonet with wooden handle and rare correct blued steel scabbard with a hanger that rotates 360 degrees. The larger script "P" usually found on guns after completing proofing is not present behind the trigger guard. Provenance: Jonathan Peck collection.

Excellent overall with 95% original blue and casehardened finish, oil residue, minor marks and scratches, a few dings at the edges of the otherwise crisp edges of the wood, some light edge and muzzle wear, and crisp markings including the cartouche. It is mechanically excellent. The bayonet and scabbard are also excellent and retain most of their original blue finish along with minor wear and some slight oxidation. This rifle would be very difficult to improve upon and is an absolutely exceptional early example of the very first modern smokeless powder rifle issued to the U.S. military. This a historically significant predecessor of the iconic Springfield Model 1903 and other staple 20th century U.S. military rifles.