I appreciate the feedback. I'll see if the Sprinfield Research Service can do anything to help keep my hopes alive. With the two cartouches (1896 & 1898) and the components being within the 1898 date, they might have an explaination. Maybe they used available parts on hand to meet the demand for carbines in 1898. I hate to give up until I've exhausted the possibilities. Thanks again for taking the time to help me figure this thing out!