Whig wrote on Nov 8^th, 2018 at 1:08am:

…….you can't have an authentic 1898 carbine if the serial number is out of the 120,000 area.

Actually, according to Brophy, 1898 Carbines were found with numbers between 118894 and 135256.  Mallory was even more liberal in saying numbers can be found with numbers between "113669 and 200,000+".  I found with a quick look, 17 carbines with numbers above 130000. Most were in the 130058 to 138944 area with a few higher (highest found was 154770 and several between 140190 and 149054).  I didn't look for anything earlier than 130000, but I imagine that there will be numbers to fall in line with both Col Brophy and Mr. Mallory.  There could be other sources I can't see that can offer even more specific information.  With so few being made, it has always seemed odd that we cannot find more specific information.