Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Krag–Jørgensen system was invented in 1886 by Captain Ole Herman Johannes Krag of the Norwegian Army and Erik Jørgensen, a Norwegian gunsmith. It was adopted as a standard arm by Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the United States. It was adopted in 1889 by the Danish Army to replace the Model 1867 Rolling Block rifle. Caliber is in 8mm x 58mmR and used a fixed side mounted 5 round magazine.
It was made in several variants, and this one is the Rifle M/89 (Gevær M/89): it is full stocked almost to the muzzle, has no top hand guard, and features a straight bolt handle and an outer steel liner for the barrel. This weapon is typical of the period in having a long barrel and stock without pistol grip. Was originally issued without a safety catch; instead, a half-cock notch on the cocking piece/firing pin assembly served this purpose. In 1910, this weapon was modified by the addition of a manual safety, which was placed on the right side of the receiver just behind the closed bolt handle.
This great example was made in 1895 and is marked on the left side of the receiver:
GEVÆRFABRIKEN KJØBENHAVN 1895.
M. 89.
This indicates manufacture at the Danish Rifle Factory in Copenhagen, which manufactured almost all of their small arms. The rifle features all matching serial numbers of 43734 on the barrel, receiver, stock, bolt, and bayonet lug. Shortened serial number 734 is present on the bolt components, magazine components, and some other small parts. The rifle is in fine working condition, and has a great patina of age. It has a CROWN / 95 inspection proof over the chamber on the barrel.
The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. The lands are worn, so this rifle definitely did see service, but was well taken care of and cleaned after use to avoid corrosion. The stock is in good condition, however it has a "Duffle Cut" under the lower barrel band. This was a common thing to see on USGI bring back rifles, as they would take the barrel and receiver out of the stock, and then cut the stock in half so it would fit into a Duffle bag or crate.
In 1892 the United States also adopted the Krag–Jørgensen system as the Springfield Model 1892, which then went through several revisions before being replaced by the Springfield Model 1903.
This example retains its original sling which is in good shape overall, with the leather still pliable. The rifle also comes with an original Danish Krag–Jørgensen M1889 Knife Bayonet which requires some force to get off of the rifle. The bayonet comes with its original sheath and is marked on the ricasso with the double trademark "King's Head" (königskopf) alongside a "Knights's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of W.K & C. This trademark is used on export blades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is absolutely correct for this bayonet. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. Later examples were made domestically so this is a very early example. The bayonet has serial number 50592 and a unit marking, 41B.454. There is a previous unit marking crossed out reading 20B.990.
A scarce Danish infantry rifle that remained in Danish military service until WWII, then was probably brought home by a USGI after the war. Ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle):
Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: 8×58mmR Danish Krag
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round side loaded magazine
Specifications (Bayonet):
Blade Length: 9"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Fuller
Overall length: 13 3/4“
Crossguard: 1 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 9 3/4"
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.
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