1898 Carbine Question

[robh5]

A friend has a Krag carbine he will be selling and I may be interested.
Says it's a M1898. Serial number is 125,7xx, don't remember the last two numbers. It's in a nice M1899 carbine stock. Rear site is a M1902 carbine. Could this be a M1898 that's been arsenal up-graded? Have not seen the gun yet. He said the condition is about 80%.
If everything checks out what would be a fair purchase price? I know Krag's don't bring the money that they used too. Thanks.

[Dick Hosmer]

Well that number COULD be an 1898C, however, since it is upgraded it is valued as an 1899. Only 1,000 1902C sights were made, so that's a plus, assuming it has the correct original hand guard and doesn't look funky. Since he is a friend, I'd think you should give him something between $1,500 and $2,000.

[Kragrifle]

Can you post photos?

[robh5]

Unfortunately can't post pictures, he does not own a digital camera or have a computer just a land line phone,(old guy). Gave me a call this morning about a price, $800.00. I'll ask about the hand guard.
Is the hand guard for a 1902C sight be the same for a 1902 sight on a rifle?

[Dick Hosmer]

Well, if he's happy at $800, that's a good deal. Yes HG is same for all tangent-curve sights - 1898R&C, 1902R&C.

[sdkrag]

Dick, did I read that correctly that only 1,000 1902C sights were produced?

[Dick Hosmer]

Dick, did I read that correctly that only 1,000 1902C sights were produced?

That's what Mallory said - I've only seen two - one came on my first BoOF (388786) which, coincidentally, is in a carbine stock. I understand that SA also has a 26" barreled "carbine".

UPDATE: Rechecked my records - I only have the one 1902C, which is loose just now. It came on a very early M1899 carbine which was right for the 1898C and I just happened to have had one of them from a bulk parts purchase, many years ago. I made look-alike 2100 yarder from my junk box for 388786. My other 26" has the correct sights - but forend was whacked right at the band.

[sdkrag]

Man, I've had one in my parts drawer for years. Didn't realize they were that uncommon. I do need a spring for it.

[Kragrifle]

1902 carbine sights were reported to have only been used for replacements as the last 1899 carbines were originally fitted with 1901 carbine sights .

[robh5]

Picked up the carbine this weekend. I guess it's a M1898 up-graded to a M1899? Very nice bore. Metal overall pretty decent. Stock has been lightly sanded. Even came with the rods and oiler.