olBear - A model 1898 rifle and model 1899 carbine have the same cut-off lever. If the lever is 'up', the polished side of the lever is visible and cartridges will be fed by the bolt.

Model 1892 Krags and model 1896 Krags had a cut-off switch that worked opposite - 'Up' was blocked and 'Down' would allow cartridges to feed. In 1898, near the end of model 1896 Krag production, the function of the  cut-off switch was reversed.

When earlier Krag rifle and carbine models were reconditioned, they likely received a new redesigned cut-off lever, so they would function like a model 1898/1899.

Maybe your friend's rifle is actually a model 1896 with the early style cut-off.

Model 1898/1899 Krags use a cut-off with a short shaft. Their actions will not accept the long shaft of the 1892 and early model 1896 cut-offs.

olBear - I believe you have it figured out.

Your friend's model 1899 carbine has an 1896 cut-off that had its shaft shortened to function on the 1899 Reciever.

A sportsman may have wanted it that way. The work  was not done at Springfield Armory.

FWIW - A correct model 1898 cut-off is very common and costs $20.00 or less.

So I convinced my friend to buy a new cutoff for his 1899 carbine.

When we changed it we could see that the old one was an earlier cutoff that had been cut down. Now it is correct ... thanks for the advice.

olBEAR