This carbine has an 1896 year stamp, without the "Model" prefix.   My understanding is that it should also have an 1896 cartouche, (7,111 mfg.).   However, this carbine has an 1897 cartouche.   Was this carbine re-stocked, or was this one, SN 29712, produced with an origional 1897 cartouche stock?

The latter 1896 carbines, with a "Model" 1896 prefix had cartouches 1896-1901, (14,942 mfg.).

Is there a means of knowing if this carbine, SN 29712, was issued to any of the troops participating in The Spanish American war, for example The 2nd, 5th, 6th, or 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiments?