Hello,
I am new here but it appears I found the right place.  I have a M1898 ser #135xxx and just finished reading Poyers book.  It currently has the 1901 sight and type 7(Poyer) handguard.  I have the 1896 second type sight and screws and was wondering if I should get the type 3 (Poyer) handguard and switch them out to make it more original. 
     I cannot locate any cartouche marks either, is that a major draw back for value? Thanks for your help!

Wes C:  In my opinion, you should leave your 1898 Krag Rifle as it is.  It sounds like your rifle was arsenal or National Guard upgraded and is correct as it is.  Enjoy your Krag and show us some pictures.  The mania shown by some M1 Carbine collectors to "restore" their "mixmaster" but correct, arsenal rebuilds, to something they no longer are and possibly never were, borders on dishonesty and will be disdained by future collectors -- IMHO.

Wes C:  A caution.  Although Poyer's book is a handy reference and shows many of the variations of Krag parts, there are errors and unfounded assumptions.  His nomenclature is peculiar and drives some advanced collectors wild.  I find his book enjoyable and useful but some call it "garbage".

Great, thanks for the info.  I have two bayonets as well both marked with the year 1898.  I bought them about a year ago because I wanted to get ones with the same year that the rifle was made based on serial number #135xxx.  Was that the right assumption?  Also one has the raised rivets and the other the are flush, is one real and one fake?  I'll get some pics on here later this afternoon so check back!

Wes C:  I don't believe the US Army or National Guard cared about bayonet dates matching production date of rifle.  That's a collector quirk.  Your 1898 dated bayonet with the 'smooth' rivets should also have smooth grips and is correct.  Your 1898 dated bayonet with the 'raised' rivets should have machining marks on the wood grips and is also correct and probably arsenal rebuilt.  I believe the change to raised rivets was approved in 1899.

How do I rehab the sling?  Should I get rid of the green stuff and how do I do that.  Thanks

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Mounted on wood.

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Anyone have any thoughts on the sling and the greening?  How do I preserve the sling, how should I get rid of the green?

The 'Green' is verdigis, a copper oxide, caused by chemical action of chemicals in the leather in contact with the brass fittings.  Try Q-tips dipped in Neatsfoot Oil to clean sewn loops in the leather sling.  Clean brass parts with rag dipped in Hoppe's #9.  Dis-assemble sling and clean & soften straps with Saddle Soap.  Finish by wiping sling with rag dampened with Neatsfoot Oil.

Awesome, thanks for the great info

Glad to see you refurbishing the sling and presenting it on a wall plaque. If the crack at the wrist of the buttstock is all the way through as it appears then hanging on the wall is the safest place for the weapon, at least until the stock is attended too.