**U.S. Model 1898 Krag Sniper Rifle with Cataract Tool & Optical Company Scope
.30-40 Krag, 30" barrel, S/N 262506. Blued finish, walnut stock. Standard Krag Model 1898 receiver markings. A fine SLA cartouche is present on the reverse wrist, dated 1900, as well as a clear {circle}-P inspection behind the triggerguard. An old brass collection tag, marked "29" is attached to the stock comb. The rifle has an M1902 rear sight, and retains its sling swivels with the stacking swivel on upper band. The rifle is mounted with a Cataract Tool & Optical Company telescopic sight, in correct Cataract marked mounts attached to the receiver at the rear and via special bracket attached to the rear barrel band. The black japanned brass scope measures 23.375" in length with a sliding sun shade and two screw-off japanned brass covers, and bears the correct 3-lin Cataract Tool & Optical Company markings. Based upon a May 24, 1900 trial of the Cataract-supplied telescopic sight and mounts, attached to a Krag rifle, sufficient success at shooting targets up to 2,000 yards resulted in a February 17, 1901 recommendation from the Board of Officer's responsible for the trial to modify a limited number of M1898 rifles with the Cataract scope for further trials. Only a handful were ever assembled, with most sources suggesting between 9 and 12 total rifles were so adapted. Thus, surviving examples are exceptionally scarce. A M1892 bayonet, dated 1900, along with its blued steel scabbard, is included as well.
Condition:
Fine. Retains some of the blued finish with fading and loss, showing a dull blue-gray patina where the finish is worn. Clear margins throughout, mechanically functional, very good, lightly frosted bore. Fine stock with light handling marks. Scope mostly clear, with dirty lenses. Mounts fine. Bayonet and scabbard fine. A rare opportunity to obtain of the the scarcest Krag variants known.
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