Only 5,000 Model 1898 carbines were made in 1898, and many of these were later altered to the Model 1899 configuration. This is the last U.S. carbine to be equipped with the saddle ring and bar. This is an essentially correct Model 1898 carbine in unaltered configuration. It has the Model 1898 stock with a strong 1898 cartouche and circle P firing proof. It has the saddle ring and bar and the correct Model 1896 carbine sight. It has a correct Model 1898 bolt and the sight protector band. The 22"" round 30 Army (30-40) barrel has a good bore with strong rifling and frosting in the grooves. The metal has a smooth blue/brown finish. The stock is very good with filled sling swivel holes, a .25"" by 1"" missing chip in front of the magazine, and two unobtrusive cutouts along the barrel on the inside where a longer handguard was once installed. The cleaning rods and oiler are in the butt trap. The action functions correctly. Because of its low survival rate, the Model 1808 carbine is missing from most collections. Most you see have the longer Model 1899 stock, handguard and sights. This is a very nice overall example. in original configuration.