These have been swapped and even faked (made from 1896 rifle sights, which are similar) in the past.
Having the correctly marked (C) rear sight does not prove it a carbine but it helps a lot to have one.
The absolute way to tell is if the action is stamped Model 1898, the barrel is exactly 22" long and the front sight base is the authentic Krag base, brazed into a dovetail slot, the center of which is about 3/4" from the muzzle.
#SPRINGFIELD 1898 KRAG CARBINE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#
The truth is, there is a little uncertainty about the serial number range for the 1898C and it's possible to have one outside that range but not probable (it would be the first). Last edited by Dick Hosmer 12-08-2014 at 02:07.Yes, a true 1898C should fall into the serial number range mentioned if you want other collectors to accept it readily. I don't like 'em, I consider it to be a mutilation, and do not find it necessary to have one to complete a collection. I should mention that some perfectly proper M1899 Carbines were retro-fitted with rifle style sling swivels. Yes, I've cut a few very small corners here, so the nit-pickers may flame away if they wish, but 99% of the time, the above will keep you out of trouble. ANY "1898" DATED CARBINE WITH A SERIAL NUMBER OVER 140000 IS A FAKE, at least as far as a novice should be concerned. But, nearly all were subsequently restocked to be identical to the new Model 1899 Carbine. As originally made, they were identical to the 1896 carbine except for the bolt notch in the stock. Just 5000 were made in 1898, scattered from 112xxx to 132xxx, with major peaks at 118xxx and 119xxx, also a few around 131xxx. The vast majority of such guns offered are fakes, both intentional and unknown to the seller, but bottom line is the same. (7) The Model 1898 "Carbine" situation is a cesspool and should be avoided by novice collectors. Such pieces will lack the bar/ring and the special band. Some of these guns were (post 1900) restocked with 32" stocks. Only the Model 1896 rear sight is correct. When in that stock they used a special band with an upper projection. They originally had 30" stocks with a sling bar and ring on the left side. They occur in certain serial number ranges only (as an example they begin around 24600, and there are are NONE in the 4xxxx and 5xxxx blocks) and may be marked "1895", "1896" or "Model 1896". (6) The Model 1896 Carbine is a bit more complex. (5) The Model 1899 Carbine is the simplest - if a gun is marked "Model 1899", has a 22" barrel with proper front sight, a "C" marked rear sight, and is in a 32" stock without sling ring and bar, and has a smoothly rounded front tip, and barrel band is retained by a spring, you can be about 99.5% sure that it is OK. If the band is retained by a small pin, the stock has been made from a rifle. (4) ALL carbine barrel bands were held with a spring. Note that carbine model and sight model are often NOT the same. (2) ALL carbines have 22" barrels with a smoothly brazed-on post front sight, just like the rifles.
(1) There are three basic carbine models, 1896, 1898, and 1899.
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