OK here are a lot of pictures I took today.  Working graveyards stinks. 

I got my 1898 serial number from this site.
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It shows my serial number falls withing the 1898 date. 
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The rear sight is missing and I think the dovetail has been cut over the front hole
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No "C" marked front sight
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I also heard that you can tell if its been cut down by muzzle diameter.
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The bolt also has a "F" marked on it.  I'm not too sure what this stands for.
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Up close of the cartouches
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OK that was a lot I know.  Mostly I want to know more about this rifle/carbine.  I know I'll take a deer or a hog this season with it and it will be a range pinker mostly. 

The receiver is clearly stamped 1898.  How can it be a 1896 model?
Do you think I can mount an original or reproduction rear sight?
What is a good mount to use with the existing holes?

Thanks everyone for your input.