Hello forum members,
I'm new to the forum, found it while attempting to research this Krag which I inherited.  I'm somewhat confused as to what it is.  What I know:
The barrel as measured is a bit over 22".  It does not have the Cartouche behind the trigger guard.  It does not have the "C" stamped on the rear sight.  It does have a "U" stamped on the hand guard band at the front of the hand guard.  The front sight does not appear to be original (as all the pictures i've seen show a different sight.)  The plate where the sling ring should be is smooth with no ring, but a gunsmith I spoke to said some of these rifles had the ring removed for cavalry use?  I have a friend interested in purchasing it but I have no idea what the rifle is worth.  To make matters worse, my grandfather decided to etch his name and SSN onto the receiver.  I've attached some pics.  Anyone have any advice?

Hi John, thanks for the reply.  I've attached a few more photos.  After more careful examination aided by some brew, I've discovered that there is some marking behind the trigger guard, just can't make out what it is and it certainly doesn't look like any of the cartouches (or if it is, a poorly copied transfer job?) on the Krag collectors association website.  Should I disassemble the rifle and see if there are any identifying markings inside the stock?

So it's a '96 rifle fitted to a '96 carbine stock?  Odd.  Can you offer any info on the proof mark?  There are no other markings on the rifle.  Thanks for the info BTW.

Exhumis:  None of your pictures clearly show the Butt-plate area of your carbine stock.  The one picture that shows some of the Butt-plate looks like something might be altered.  The stylized "P" in a circle ("passed") stamp is common on Krag and Trap-door Springfield Stocks, behind the trigger guard.  The 1896 Carbine Stock is desireable to collectors doing restorations.  In the 1920s and 1930s loose carbine stocks were often put on shortened rifles to make sporters.  A real 1896 carbine will fall in specific serial # ranges, have a real Krag front-sight base, and be exactly 22 inches (measured from the muzzle to the closed bolt face.  The sling bar and ring were probably removed as being a nuisance to a hunter.  You inherited a nice family heirloom.  I'd keep and treasure it, as is.

Exhumis:  The Butt area and Butt-plate of your carbine stock are "OK".  Your 1896 Carbine stock appears to have been sanded and refinished in the past (hence the faintness of the "P" in a circle mark).  As someone else stated, the 1896 Carbine Stock is the most valuable part of this 'mixture of parts' gun.  There are many collectors looking for a nice 1896 Carbine Stock.  I would estimate the stock with its butt-plate and band-spring to be worth around $500.  Your barrel band is an 1899 carbine band and not the 1896 carbine band that also serves as a sight guard.  The 1899 barrel band has been painted and in its condition is worth about $35.  The rest of your Krag is 'cut-down' 1896 rifle and its value is based on its utility as a 'shooter'.  I would guess your rifle might bring $450 to $600 from someone who wants the parts.  IMHO   

The "diamond" marks on your barrel are probably vise or wrench marks.  Possibly the barrel was clamped in a vise, when someone sawed the rifle barrel, re-crowned it, and mounted the replacement front-sight.  Such marks would be indicative of amateurish or careless workmanship.  They would not be found on proper arsenal work.  The #"7" stamped on your barrel probably identified a steel batch or identified a sub-inspector.

Great minds think alike. John

Exhumis:  Not surprising, there are lots of Krags around that were made into economy sporters at a time (1920-40) when Krags and parts were plentiful and cheap and commercial guns were quite expensive.  "Gunsmiths" were not always overly concerned with finish and blemishes on 'Spartan' hunting rifles and minimized labor time to keep costs down.