gunnut wrote on Apr 15^th, 2012 at 7:54pm:

Hello all.

Greetings.


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The receiver is marked "Model 1896" with serial number 108725. I believe this dates it as one of the last 1896's made in 1898.

Yes.  Summer of 1898.


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The condition is very rough and rusty as shown in the attached photos

Basement fresh.


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There is no obvious cartouche and it has inspector stamps behind the trigger guard.

It was arsenal refinished.


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I believe it has a 1901 sight and I think it has an original handguard. Were these modified to use the 1901 sight?

Yes with the caveat that your sight appears to missing.


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I would like to know more about the history of this rifle and it's value in it's current condition....my guess...$200?

If you can get it for $200 you'll be getting a deal.  In spite of the basement fresh condition.


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I would like to get it into a shootable condition and would be interested in acquiring the missing safety and magazine cutoff if it makes sense to go ahead with this project.

Yes, it makes sense.  You need some small easily acquired parts.  The gun is full length so you're ahead right there.  The typical auction sites will have the parts you seek and there is the alternative of the sale sights -e.g., S&S or DeChristopher.  Given the condition the auction sites make more sense as you're not after pristine condition parts.

By all means it's a worthwhile project.  The 1892s and 1896s are simply finer rifles than the 1898s.