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 Type Springfield Krag-Jorgensen rifles were manufactured in 1894, and the Second Type rifles came out in late 1894 and 1895. The most readily identifiable difference in the Second Type rifles are the dual strap upper barrel bands. Other aspects were also strengthened or altered throughout production before production shifted to the Model 1896, which had a compartment in the buttstock and other differences. This relatively early Second Type rifle has the correct flat muzzle (not crowned), standard Model 1892 sight graduated out to 1,900 yards and not adjustable for windage, "1894." followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY" and "4532" on the left side of the receiver, no hold open pin on the bolt, a "JSA/1894" cartouche with angled corners, correct dual strap front barrel band and one-piece slotted cleaning rod, the circled script "P" behind the trigger guard, thin early style buttplate and butt without curved toe, and handguard that does not extend over the receiver ring. It comes with a correct knife bayonet dated "1894" and a rare correct metal scabbard with hanger that rotates 360 degrees.. According to records quoted in "The Krag Rifle Story" by Mallory and Olson, only 6,000 of the Model 1892s were not converted to the Model 1896 pattern and "evidently many of these unconverted rifles were lost or destroyed in service or were scrapped, because unaltered Model 1892 rifles are extremely scarce." Provenance: the Jonathan Peck collection.

Extremely fine overall with 90% original blue and dark casehardened finish, light oxidation, scattered minor scratches and marks, crisp markings including the cartouche, and some minor storage wear on the otherwise crisp edges of the excellent stock. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good with nearly all of the original blue on the blade and moderate wear on the hilt and scabbard. This is an overall very attractive example of one of the hardest U.S. military rifle variations to find and an important element of any complete U.S. military arms collection. One will look a long time to find a better example!