'nf1e' - You appear to actually have a U.S. model 1898 Krag. The OP was questioning the late 'cartouche dates' on some U.S. model 1896 Krags.
Last edited by butlersrangers; 12-30-2017 at 12:54.
There was someone on facebook who was questioning a 1901 cartouched 1896 not long ago. My guess would be they had some 96 receivers still in the system when the boss said in July 1898, "We're going to start producing 1898s." Come 1900-1902, with it being obvious there was a new rifle on the way, time to tidy up accounting so that royalties could be paid. I'm sure they still had the tooling to cut the bolt handle recess and flare still on hand.
"I have sworn upon the Altar of God, eternity hostility upon all forms of tyranny over the minds of man." - Thomas Jefferson
What do I know. I saw the question about the 1900 and remembered this one had one.
I will head back to my M14s where I am just a little more comfortable.
Happy New Year to all.
Semper Fi
Art
Art - Don't take any offense. Krags are interesting with many little subtleties worthy of study. Happy New Year!
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Now that we’re discussing unusual 1896 Krag rifles you have to bring up the sideways cartouche specimens. Again, they show up enough to believe they are Springfield produced, but documentation seems to be lacking.
Maybe that was stamped on the day, J. Sumner Adams realized, they were never going to make him "Master Armorer".
Anyone have an "1896" (w/o "Model") higher than 37045? Time for another check. Happy New Year!!!!!!