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Desirable Early Production Two-Digit Serial Numbered U.S. Springfield Armory First Type Krag-Jorgensen Model 1892 Bolt Action Rifle
THIS RIFLE HAS THE EARLY, SOLID TWO INCH FRONT BARREL BAND AND BRASS HEAD CLEANING ROD, BOTH FOUND ON EARLY PRODUCTION SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1892 RIFLES
LOT 247
Rare Early Production First Type Two Digit Serial Number
92 U.S. Springfield Model 1892 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt
Action Rifle with Solid Band, Brass Tip Cleaning Rod
and Bayonet - Serial no. 92, 30 ARMY (30-40) cal., 30 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. 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 Danish, and of course the United States. Though
named Model 1892 based on the year the design was officially
adopted as the U.S. Army’s primary issue rifle after extensive trials, the first Springfield Armory
Krag-Jorgensen rifles were not manufactured until 1894 due to protests over the selection of
a foreign design, and a second trial of smokeless powder magazine rifles of American design
was held, none of which were considered superior to the Krag at the time. The Krag-Jorgensen
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, the subsequent Filipino
Insurrection, and some remained in use 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 approximate 1,500 original First Type Model 1892s include a solid front barrel band with integral bayonet stud and sling swivel, iron cleaning rod underneath the barrel, 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 example retains all of these desirable features and even has the rare correct early brass tip on the cleaning rod, only found on the first 300 issued rifles. It
has standard early Krag Model 1892 stepped ladder rear sight graduated to 1,900 yards on the ladder and not adjustable for windage, “1894.” followed by “U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.” and serial number “92” on the left side of the receiver, crisp “SWP/1894” inspector cartouche with angled corners on the left of the stock wrist and a “J” ahead of it, a faint circled “P” firing proof behind the trigger guard. Matching serial number “92” is marked inside of the loading gate, left front of the bolt sleeve, and bottom of the firing pin assembly. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a period leather sling, “1894” dated U.S. Model 1892 knife bayonet with wooden handle, and type III blued steel scabbard.
CONDITION: Very good plus with 30% original blue finish mostly at the edges and protected areas with the barrel turned mostly to a brown patina. The oil-quenched casehardened receiver is turned to a gray patina with scattered mild freckling. Stock is fine with rich original dark oil finish, defined edges, scattered light dents and scratches, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet and scabbard are both very good with minor wear and some slight oxidation. This is a pleasing early example of the very first modern smokeless powder rifle issued to the U.S. military, and adding to it’s rarity in being completely unaltered from it’s original early configuration!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
SERIAL NUMBER 92
16TH INFANTRY PREPARING FOR THE ASSAULT ON SAN JUAN HILL WITH EARLY 1892 KRAG RIFLES
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