??? on this stock, 1898 carbine version??

[madsenshooter]

I think those little holes would mean very little to someone who has a 98 carbine in a stock that isn't correct. Lots of folks just love correct and original, and if I had a 98C we'd be talking about a swapping for something, maybe another whole rifle. On the other hand, that stock with the bolt channel cut not done right would just be a waste. Someone who does very precise work would be needed to duplicate the cut.

I think there might be something quite noteworthy about the stock too. It's the orange Italian wood. I'll ask the collector types who get out more than I do, how many properly stocked 98C's do you see with Italian walnut stocks? This wood also gives us an idea on an approximate date of manufacture.

[jon_norstog]

Dan Shapiro's current thread on CMP carbines shows a picture of a pile of carbines and rifles. 3 of the carbines have the same type of swivels, altho the front swivels are attached to the band. These on otherwise real carbines. On that same thread terry R said:

"I've been to a gun auction that was selling a midwest collection of 75+ Krags, and I saw 2 krags with the same swivels. I thought they were done later on and bogus, but they seem to keep popping up here and there, and they all look close to the same."

I had a 95/96 carbine with swivels for years, but they were rifle-type, front and rear.

jn

[Dick Hosmer]

Firstly, let me apologize to Sgt. Rob for any disruption to his plans caused by my too-hasty trade offer.

Holes or not, it is still a scarce stock, and should not be mutilated. The screw holes can be plugged, I just don't want to be the one who had to do it. My 1898C has a correct stock, with a cartouche; I should just leave well enough alone.

As to the legitimacy of such swivels, it seems that a trial balloon is being floated, on the basis that more than one set has been seen, that they may possibly, somehow, some way, be some offbeat, sort of semi-official, military standard. I believe such a theory is entirely without merit. I have never been a fan of swivels on carbines (even the so-called Engineer version) in any case, but 5MF has convinced me that I am wrong in this regard. I now accept - but do not own, and would not buy - such a gun.

[madsenshooter]

Swivels may have been a Stokes, Bannerman, or Herters item. I have a nice sporter stock that I think was once a 99C stock cut for the 1896 bolt channel. Judging by the styling done in the late 40s on through the 50s. Same swivels on it, the front one rigged to hold a homemade barrel band.

[madsenshooter]

Here's one to watch Sgt. Rob, will give you an idea what it might be worth to someone: http://www.ebay.com/itm/30-40-krag-1...item35c55b7f44

[Dick Hosmer]

From the text portion of the offering, the seller is clearly not knowledgeable about Krags and I very much doubt he understands what he selling, but it will be interesting to see where it goes.

I would say that the band and hand-guard (typically broken out at the front) are worth around half of the asking price.

Thanks for sharing, Bob.

[Sgt. Rob]

Thank you for the link Madsenshooter, I will be watching that. This is putting me in a bit of a conundrum, cause the stock I have would look really nice. The other thing is I have been searching out 1896 stocks to get an idea of what is out there, and it seems that the new replacement stocks available are all the later style 1899 type. I think I am going to mull it all over for a couple weeks, and concentrate a bit more on restoring the rifle first, then tackle the carbine as bits and pieces can be found.

I do not think the carbine stock is Italian walnut. Color and grain are actually close to the 1896 stock I do have. and is darker then the rifle stock, of which I do think is the Italian Walnut. I think the pics are just lightening up the color. Once I get them apart for cleaning (work is slowing me down) I will post more pics. Just to be sure. I appreciate all the input Gentleman, I am excited to have some projects and wish to restore them carefully and correctly. The past posts I have been reading have been very informative.

As for the sling swivels, I have no misconceptions that they were added by anybody but some hunter. They are similar to but not the same as the rear ones seen in the CMP picture, but they are both like the rear type shown in those pics and at that they do not appear to be an exact match. They appear to be a 1950's or 60's vintage.

Semper Fi, Rob

[Sgt. Rob]

If anybody else watched that auction, it definately has me thinking I should put it up on ebay. I did not realize just how far some may go for genuine 1898 carbine parts. I think if I can get enough to fund restoration with repro parts and have myself a shooter, that is the way I would like to go on this.

Semper Fi, Rob

[madsenshooter]

Sgt Rob, it's not what I thought it was. In the 10th pic I see the scalloped cut for an 1896 receiver, so it's an original 1896 carbine stock, one of two presently on ebay. Oops, got my stock auctions confusticated, here's the two 96C stocks: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-189...item1e789d1ec9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/30-40-krag-carbine-stock-exc-cond-/230948235487?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c59668df

I had to go back and see what the 98 went for. Said it was probably worth another rifle to someone.

[Sgt. Rob]

I am watching those auctions now as well, thank you for the heads up. I honestly can not make up my mind as weather to sell my 1898 stock or not. So have been holding off doing anything with it. Its in great shape and I would hate to part with it should I need it later. On the other hand if it went for crazy money, I could easily get most of the stuff I need. Decsions......................

Semper Fi, Rob