Spanish-American War Issued US Model 1896 Krag Rifle (4th US Vol. Infantry)

Serial #79924, .30-40 Krag, 30" barrel with an excellent, bright bore.  This is a handsome rifle that retains 92-95% of the original blue finish, with some mild silvering at the muzzle, as well as a few small spots of fading along the exposed portion of the barrel, and on some of the high edges and projections.  The bolt has a plum-brown patina on the handle, with the body having a bright gray patina under a thin coating of protective grease.  The extractor has most of the original brilliant fire blue remaining.  The magazine cutoff selector was removed at some point.  The walnut stock and handguard have not been sanded, and a thin coat of protective varnish added.  There are small handling marks and minor blemishes scattered about and some small spots of white paint near the butt, but the cartouche is still quite clear and legible: "ISA / 1896."  Additionally, a large "S" was neatly carved into the underside of the stock.  According to the Springfield Research ledger, this rifle was assigned to Co. I, 4th US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and was received on September 10, 1898.  The 4th was organized and mustered at Washington DC, and environs during June of 1898, comprised of 46 officers and 962 enlisted men and NCOs.  The regiment was assigned to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 7th Army Corps on August 19, when they arrived at Jacksonville. FL prior to embarking for Cuba.  They arrived at Manzanillo, Cuba on October 18, 1898, and performed garrison duties at Manzanillo, Campachuela, Bayamo, Niquero, Jiguani, and Viquetas before embarking for the US aboard the steamer "Dixie" on May 11, 1899.  They arrived at New York City five days later and traveled to Camp Meade, PA, on May 17.  The regiment mustered out of service on June 8, 1899.  This is a great, documented Spanish-American War Krag, and is in fine-near excellent condition.  Antique