Unfortunately I don't know anything about the past history of this item. I purchased it about 20 years ago with the idea
that it "might" be a carbine. Looking at this site last night I found that my example had what appears to be a 1896 rear site and at that moment I was discouraged as my thinking was it should have the same year rear site. I still have little
knowledge of this firearm, the help of the forum members is
greatly appreciated.