With the adoption of the .30-40 Krag in 1892, the U.S. Army began to catch up with foreign powers in the use of small caliber magazine-fed arms using smokeless powder. Developed by two Norwegians, the U.S. version was based on a Danish model and the knife bayonet eventually selected for it had Swiss influence. The Krag was used widely by the army in last years of the 19^th century and the early years of the 20^th in America’s conflicts as it became a world power, from fighting the Spanish in Cuba to battles with the Moros in the Philippines, Boxers in China, and in a number of small conflicts elsewhere.

This Krag bayonet is stamped US on the obverse of the ricasso and dated 1899 reverse. The wood grips are very good, with no chips or cracks and fit tightly to the pommel and guard. The pommel and grip rivets show dark gray from oxidation. The guard is brighter. The blade has a good edge and tip. The metal is smooth, with no pitting, and shows a light silver gray mixed with darker gray and brown spots overall, but with some underlying bright metal. The date and US stamp are crisp. The scabbard has a couple of light dings near the tip and has most of its original blue now shading into plum brown. The belt hook shows more vibrant blue front and back. The swivel operates.

This is a key weapon for the US bayonet and small arms collector.  [sr]

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