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Historic Inscribed Scarce U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag Saddle Ring Carbine with Sword

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Historic Inscribed Scarce U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag Saddle Ring Carbine with Sword
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Historic Inscribed Scarce U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1898 Krag Saddle Ring Carbine with Sword

Only 5,000 Model 1898 carbines were manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1898 and 1899 with this example being manufactured in 1898. The serial number range for Model 1898 Carbines fall within the Model 1898 Rifle range. Observed carbine serial numbers range from 118,894 to 134,256. Blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards and marked with a "C" on the upper right hand corner of the leaf. The left side of the base has even numbered graduations from 2 to 6. Standard receiver markings and mounted with a smooth one-piece straight grip stock with finger grooves in the forearm, saddle ring and bar on the left side of the stock, visible "JSA/1898" cartouche on the left wrist, circled "P" on the bottom of the grip area and steel buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included). The right side of the buttstock has a plaque with an inscription thanking the previous owners, Capt. and Mrs. C.D. Stearns, for loaning the rifle "for the defense of Britain in a time of dire necessity." The rifle was given with "grateful thanks" from R.B. Pullin & Co. Ltd., a British maker of scientific instruments founded in 1932. The rifle was one of thousands of firearms Americans sent to England in an effort to supply the British Home Guard during the early years of WWII. Research has found the Capt. Clark Daniel Stearns served as the Commanding Officer board the U.S.S. Roanoke, a merchant passenger-cargo ship that was converted to 7,620 ton minelayer in order to serve with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during World War I. In 1918 the Roanoke assisted in operations against German U-boats. Before the Navy returned the ship to its original owners, the Roanoke was modified to a transport ship and made four voyages across the Atlantic bringing American troops back to the U.S. after the armistice. For his efforts as the CO of the Roanoke, Stearns was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Prior to WWI Stearns was the 9th Governor of American Samoa from 1913 to 1914 and would later be relieved of his command of the battleship U.S.S. Michigan "for allowing the men under his command to organize committees" in 1921. These committees allowed for enlisted men to give suggestions to the officers and was done in an attempt to alleviate tensions. Stearns died in 1944 aboard a submarine stationed in Miami of a coronary thrombosis. He was 74 years old. With the carbine is a Horstmann 1850 Navy sword with scabbard. The etched Damascus blade has the motto "Right on my side and Justice" on the left side and "Clark Daniel Stearns" on the left side.

Manufucture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1898 Carbine
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 30-40 Krag
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 131039

Very good plus. The barrel retains traces of faded original blue finish with a smooth brown patina showing some minor pitting. The receiver has a mottled gray patina. The wood is very good with a couple hairline cracks and a chip repair near the receiver, some surface chipping and some minor pressure dents and scratches. The cartouche is clear. Mechanically fine. The sword is very good with much of the Damascus pattern remaining and some very scattered mild pitting. The etching is crisp. The scabbard is good with the hardware having a smooth dark aged patina.