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US MODEL 1899 KRAG CARBINE PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,100.00 USD
US MODEL 1899 KRAG CARBINE PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY

RIFLE. Cal. 30-40 Krag. S# 230386. Bbl. 22". The "Philippine Constabulary Krag" rifle was made to develop an arm for sm. statured native troops. These rifles were converted from Model 1899 Krag carbines & used a shortened rifle stock. A bayonet was deemed necessary for these arms so the muzzle was turned down to accommodate the Krag bayonet. Conversion work was done at Springfield Armory, Rock Island arsenal & the Manila ordnance depot. The quality of work done on these rifles reflects the professionalism of these established arsenals. Many Krag rifles were shortened by commercial firms to make lighter, handier arms for schools & cadet use. The workmanship of these arms does not tend to be of a high standard & the front sights of these conversions will generally be of a banded type. Model 1898 three notch rear sight marked "C" on base & eye piece. Sight is graduated to 2,000 yards. Unmarked front sight blade measures approx. .250 above sight stud. Muzzle crown appears to be arsenal quality. Outside of muzzle has been turned down to approx. .620 ahead of front sight stud in order to accept the Krag bayonet. Upper band appears to have been stretched over a mandrel which has resulted in a crack at the top of the front strap. Lower band is made w/ swing swivel. Shortened walnut rifle stock. The lightening cut in forend has been filled in a professional manner. Filler piece has been matched to the radius of the lightning cut under bbl. Stock has boxed "CV" inspector's mark w/out date. Cartouche is script type used by Charles Valentine between 1905 & 1907. Charles Valentine was known to inspect US carbines model of 1899 altered for knife bayonet & sling. He also inspected Springfield Philippine Constabulary carbines, although the inspector normally associated w/ these weapons is J.F. Coyle. Encircled script P proof under grip & also marked "D". Smooth trap buttplate. Compartment has 3 holes for cleaning rod. 2 Rod sections are present. Nickel plated oiler is also present. Handguard is listed as Type 5 in "The American Krag Rifle and Carbine" by Poyer. CONDITION: stock set has nice original finish w/ crisp markings w/ light wear & scattered handling marks. Handguard has tiny crack extending forward from rear sight base to tip. Metal turning gray & patina w/ traces of original blue. Scattered sm. dents & scratches & spots of light oxidation. Lower band has turned overall gray & has notable sm. dents on lower left hand side. As noted, front strap of upper band is cracked. Very good shiny bore. (21-3356/RW). CURIO. $800-1,100.