Springfield Model 1896 30-40 Krag Rifle

T

thedrake44

Inactive
I bought this Model 1896 Springfield 30/40 Krag last year and was interested in how much it is worth. It has not been cut down, and has "JSA 1896" engraved in it. From what I've gathered this is for J. Sumner Adams the Springfield master armorer that inspected each rifle. It also has a cursive "P" behind the trigger guard as well as a "C" and what looks to be "73". From what I found online this is one of 52,000 M1896 rifles that were made. Thanks for your help, photos attached.
 

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I am sure you gave what you thought it was worth.
The resale value depends largely on whether it has the original rear sight or whether it was updated with 1898, 1901, or 1902 sight and handguard.

I am not a specialist on those and can't reliably tell which is which.
Maybe somebody will come along.
 
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FWIW, a gun can be worth any amount that someone is willing to pay.

You bought it, and paid whatever for it - which made it worth every penny of the price, to you.


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Your rifle is worth around $600 plus or minus $100. If the bore is bright, with strong lands, it will be worth more.
 
Around here these seem to run anywhere from $750 to $950, given a good bore and smooth action.

See if you can find a bayonet for it, they run from $50 to $200, depending on condition, type of scabbard hanger, and sellers' gauge of his market.
 
"C"

Here is a photo of the trigger guard with the "C", what looks to be a "73" and the "P" proof.
 

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I don't think that C and 73 are factory and probably not Army markings, as stamping unit markings into U.S. weapons was prohibited. One possible meaning is "Company C, Rifle Number 73", but Company C of what, I don't know. One possibility is a private military academy; at one time Krags were sold off by the Army for as little as $2.00 and many thousands were bought by military academies and by high schools and colleges for honor guards and drill teams.

Jim
 
I wouldn't buy that $100 bayonet, the scabbard has issues and handle is suspect. Wait for the next one to come along.

They're not rare, just uncommon. Most good shows have one or two of them available.

For value, if the years match, add $150-$250 to the rifle value for a package.

Add 'TR' to the bayonet, add whatever you want !
 
This one is authentic, just not in nice condition.

Personally, I think refinished grips on bayonets, if in original style, are acceptable. The Army would have repaired a soldiers' bayonet, no question about it.

There were at least two different types of scabbard, and two or three types of belt hanger. One was flimsy wire, and these are not common, and often damaged. The other(s) were a metal strap hanger, stronger and these are most often seen.
 
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