'spooby504' - Congratulations, it looks like you found a correct early model 1896 carbine.

IMHO - The Stock and Hand-Guard cracks and damage are serious blemishes. Competent wood repairs would make this carbine more eye appealing. An excellent repair would be preferable to an eyesore blemish.

However, doing nothing is better than a crude repair. It is hard to find people who do competent and affordable stock repairs.