Yeah, I cleaned some more of the gunk off and she does say model 1898 under it all. Part of the 8 was obscured by the gunk, finally cleared it off enough to see all the marking today.  Anyone know if brake cleaner/gun scrubber is safe enough to use on the bluing? It would make it easier to strip it off. Looks like congealed Hopees or gun oil to me.  I do not want to damage the bluing that is there as it is still in very good condition except where it was removed for the scope mount that used to be there.  Thanks for the welcome.