Justin Baird

Early History of the Krag–Jørgensen Rifle

2024 Cody Firearms Museum Early-career Fellowship recipient

Supported Project

Mr Baird’s research project examines the early history of the Krag–Jørgensen rifle, incorporating a nuanced appraisal of the biographical details of the weapon’s designers, Ole Herman Krag and Erik Jørgensen. His work represents the most comprehensive assessment of the genesis of the Krag–Jørgensen rifle and related designs thus far attempted in the English language. Special access to the Cody Firearms Museum collection will allow Mr Baird to further explore the early history of the U.S. iteration of the rifle, including important connections between the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the government manufacturer, Springfield Armory.

Biography

Justin Baird is a Canadian firearms researcher, designer, and gunsmith. He began his career by studying Graphic Design & Marketing at Georgian College in Ontario, before establishing his own design and marketing business. Mr. Baird’s primary research interests include the history and development of nineteenth-century small arms in Scandinavia and the history of small-scale gunsmithing in Canada, both before and after the 1867 Confederation. He is currently writing a book presenting a detailed history of the Krag–Jørgensen design, including the rifle’s initial conception and adoption in Denmark, and its further development and use in Norway and the United States.

Anticipated Outputs

The fellowship is expected to support a presentation at the 2024 Arsenals of History symposium, as well as a section in Mr Baird’s planned book on the history of the Krag–Jørgensen rifle.

Period: 19th & 20th centuries

Geographical Region: Europe, North America

Arms Class: Small Arms (Firearms)

Mr Baird’s research has been proudly supported by

Researcher profile last updated in July 2024.