Thank You for your reassessment. At least I know that it is an original carbine. I don't have access to the Krag books to see if there is any history to find in the serial numbers.
As I mention earlier the wood inside the stock is blackened from excessive heat. I wonder if the original hand guard, being thin was burned beyond it's usefulness?
I din't have much luck getting a good picture of the bore, an hints on how to go about getting a good shot inside?