The item under discussion is often called the "1895 Variant" of the Model 1896 Carbine.

The initial production run of the Krag was about 24500 Model 1892 Rifles. Nearly all are marked "1894". The first carbines, and a very few rifles, and probably the elusive 400 Cadet Rifles, are marked "1895". The "1894"/"1895" marking change, at around 24000, is not tidy, and overlaps have been reported.

The marking was changed to "1896" at around 32000. Both rifles and carbines are found with this marking, which is the least common of the datings. The stamp did not change to "Model 1896" until around 37100. The arms themselves were apparently called Model 1896s before the marking was actually applied.

The 21.5" barrel measurement, if accurate, is disturbing, and indicates some sort of cutting off from the normal 22". Pictures of the gun would help.