Greetings.  My name is Mark and I'm new to this forum.  I have a 1898 30/40 Krag that my father gave me.  I think he used it at the VFW when he was on the firing squad.

The rifle seems to be complete with the exception of the front site ring screw.  I found the cleaning rod and oil tube in the stock and a bayonet with metal scabard.

What I'd like to do is just clean up the stock a bit.  The cartouche is visible but just and I'd like to see if cleaning it would make it more visible.

Thanks...

Welcome to the Krag world. 
Not sure what you mean by the "front sight ring screw".  There is no ring or screw on the front sight of Krags.  However, many Krags had the barrels cut back to shorter length and 1903 Springfield front sights were installed.  These had a "ring" around the barrel and also a tiny screw.  These screws are available from several sources.
As to cleaning the wood...it all depends on what it looks like now.  The one rule here is not to remove any wood unless you have to.  "Cleaning" is okay.  Removing wood with sandpaper so it looks clean is not. 
The easy answer to your question, with no additional information, is that yes, cleaning is okay for your stock and could possibly make the cartouche show up better.  However, the devil is in the details...it all depends on how you "clean".  A little Murphys Oil Soap, turpentine, or lemon oil on a rag rubbed very briskly into the wood should be okay.  These are pretty gentle ways to clean the wood.  Anything strong than this and you could do more harm than good unless you know what you are doing.
Any possibility of posting photos?

daveboy

Thanks for responding.  I was referring to the ring that the bayonet mounts to.  I'll post some pictures.

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Some other pictures of the rifle and the bayonet.

I got this from my father.  It was used by the VFW fireing squad for years.  I have fired the rifle and it works just fine.

I do have the front site blade.  I took it off to get the bayonet ring off when I did the initial cleaning.

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sarge:  I will be glad to send you a replacement front band screw for your Krag, if you give me an email address so I can contact you.  Chuck McArthur

Thank you.  You can reach me at 509th@netslyder.net

Mark

Mark:  Your stock cartouche reads in script "JSA 1899" for J.S. Adams (inspector).  Your Krag receiver, #461045, I believe was made in July 1903.  I imagine your rifle is now a "mixmaster" of parts put together to make a serviceable rifle for Veterans' Ceremonies.  It is neat it has been in your family all these years.  I will contact your email to get an address to send a replacement front-band screw.  Chuck McArthur

Thanks Chuck.  I really appreciate the help with the screw. My father first got this rifle in 1959.  He kept it at the house until needed for the VFW.  I don't know if this is a whole rifle or one made of parts.  Is there a way to find out?

I know he told me he kept it when the VFW got M1's and they were supposed to turn in the Krag's.

sarge:  Your stock cartouche - "JSA 1899" is quite clear in your photo.  This stock was on a rifle that was inspected and accepted into U.S. service in 1899.  Your action (#461045) and its barrel were probably built in July 1903.  Somewhere along the way, an earlier stock was united to a later receiver.  Its "ok";  enjoy your Krag.  The metal and wood just did not leave Springfield Armory together.  Chuck McArthur

Nice liking rifle.  Getting back to part of your original question...yes, that wood would probably respond nicely to some "gentle" cleaning.  There are as many ways to do that as there are collectors.  There is no absolute "right" way, but very many "wrong" ways.  If it were mine, I would take a pad of 0000 grade steel wool and dip it into a bowl of turpentine.  Place the stock muzzle-end up on an old towel.  Start rubbing the stock near the muzzle gently with the wet wool making sure that you keep the wool and wood wet with turpentine.  You should notice gunk dripping down the stock onto the towel.  Keep working your way down the stock being very careful not to rub too hard, especially around the markings.  You want to remove dirt and sweat and oil--not wood.  You might need to do this two or three times to get it really clean.  Then, wipe it down nicely with a rag soaked in turpentine.  Let it dry for at least 24 hrs. and then apply some BLO (google how to apply BLO, it is super easy).

daveboy

Chuck, got the screw and it fits just fine.  Thank you very much.

I'll be doing some cleaning in the next week, when I'm not watching my grandson.  I'm looking forward to getting this beautiful rifle cleaned up.

Glad to help you out, sarge.  Looking forward to seeing pictures of your Krag when you have finished with the 'spruce up'.  Chuck McArthur