Little did I know I would get the sourpuss expert answering first. It was fun to take that thing completely apart as I did. Once I completely stripped the weapon down and looked all over to verify the number was not covered up by the stock, the front sight, or some other such part, I thought I would go to the experts, demonstrating initiative and a manly acceptance of asking for help after working on it myself for a bit. Now that I know I am in the right place, I will go through more extreme measures than using my 56-year old former combat aviator eyes to ascertain why the rest of the serial number is not more visible. Of course, I asked the question because the serial number ISN'T highly visible there!! I have one digit distinctly visible and was trying to verify that I was looking in the right place, since it seems a bit odd given the overall excellent ocndition of hte weapon.

The identification info would also be found on the left side, opposite the magazine. Since there appear to be many fakes, I was just verifying. Never even thought of comparing the carbine to my 1898 Krag Rifle version whose serial number is quite evident and easy to spot!! That is why I was so explicit in my original email that it 'purported' to be a Model 1896 Springfield version of the Krag Carbine. Yes, I have been pretty lazy, taking no inititative, in my over 34 years of active military service and never looked at a weapon before. Well, Ranting Old Fart, I do appreciate your snide answer.

Springfield 1898 serial number search