![photos springfield 1898 photos springfield 1898](https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/attachments/f19/213178d1511122035-warner-swasey-m1913-jghkg.jpg)
A third position, the Military Storekeeper/ Paymaster, was created to attend to the safe-keeping and distribution of the military stores at the Arsenals. The Master Armorer and the Superintendent were tasked with overseeing the operation of the Armory. The original legislation that created the position also named two additional appointments creating a system of checks and balances of authority. The position of Superintendent of the Armory was established in 1794 without definite parameters of authority. This goal was furthered by the replacement of civilian administration with military administrators, in the mid-19th century, in order to remove political influence and control. The Superintendent (civilian administrator), or Commandant (military administrator) of Springfield Armory maintained an efficient and cost effective arms production facility for the U.S. NPS Photo/Springfield Armory NHS Archives Civilian and Military Officers Notable Commanding Officers: Major James W.
![photos springfield 1898 photos springfield 1898](https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/images/63058248.jpg)
The Armory, in turn, started Springfield on its path as a manufacturing center and the most important city of western Massachusetts. As this vision became reality, Springfield took increased pride in its Armory. Ripley, were inspired by a vision of the “Grand National Armory.” They saw the Armory as not only an out standing manufacturing facility, but as a symbol of the growing power and dignity of the national government. Strong Commanding Officers, notably Roswell Lee and James W. Steadily, the workers at the new Federal installation grew in confidence and experience. Operations at Springfield Armory began slowly in 1795 with 40 workers producing 245 flintlock muskets in its first year as the Nation’s first government-run armory. That year, the image of the Main Arsenal (today, the Museum at the Springfield Armory NHS), standing proudly on the crest of the hill overlooking the city, was incorporated into the top of the city’s seal. Recognition of the Armory’s importance to the community occurred in 1852 when Springfield officially became a city.
![photos springfield 1898 photos springfield 1898](https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/alderfer/46/553646/H0067-L62601059.jpg)
In these ways, Springfield Armory brought cohesion to the ever-growing City of Springfield. There is heavy brown patina on the whole barrel and spotty patina on the whole receiver and magazine. It has retained most of its original bluing, but there is thinning on the receiver and finish loss on the barrel band and trigger guard. The spirit and vision of these individuals are seen today as monuments, places of worship, public parks, and stately homes. 11/19/21 - This is a nice example of a Springfield Krag Model 1898, manufactured in 1899.