Real ‘98 carbine?

[Lead Snowstorm]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/880770473

I hesitated. I am sad for myself...? Happy for the buyer...?

[butlersrangers]

It could be a real model 1898 carbine. (IMHO - The sellers photos and description are deceptive junk and reveal little).

The serial number is within possible range, but, can't be read, with certainty.

The stock has been heavily sanded and the butt-plate is extremely proud.

Whether it has a correct (model 1896) carbine rear-sight is totally ignored. The barrel-band is leaning at a weird angle. The Carbine Sling-Ring is missing.

I am skeptical, when a seller is intentionally hiding information.

FWIW - I think you dodged a poor investment.

[Cat Man]

Agree, No front or rear sight info would be a red flag. I can read the Serial Number as 123434.

Not very often anymore that someone sells a collectable without full knowledge of its value, but maybe someone just rang the bell on a real winner.

Cat Man Jeff

[Lead Snowstorm]

Yeah, it would’ve been a leap of faith but...mmm I had a feeling about that one. Did email the seller about the sight and serial, but it went too fast. I thought I might see barely a hint of a C peeking just above the wood on the side of the rear sight.

Still kicking myself a bit. Even if it was wrong, the fun of getting my hands on it and learning from it would’ve been almost worth that buy now price...

[butlersrangers]

Would'av, could'av, should'av, ....

Cat Man is probably correct on the serial number.

This one has serious wood issues.

[Whig]

But it's an "excellent quality Collector's firearm"!

I agree- too many negatives. I might have paid $600-700 if it was wearing a real M1896 rear sight, though!

Keep looking. They are out there but may take a while to find. It's worth the search and lots of fun to boot.