Fred G. does have a real beauty.
I imagine a lot of model 1896 and model 1898 Krag 'Replacement Stocks' could be of Italian walnut. This is likely because this was a ready source of walnut, during a shortage of 'cured walnut', during 1899 to 1901.
IMHO - Color is a potential clue, but, can be deceiving.
Krag American Black walnut stocks, (as well as, 1903 Springfield stocks, until sometime in the 1920s), were stained with a Logwood Mixture. Refinishing can leave these stocks appearing lighter in color, than they were originally.
Italian walnut Krag stocks and hand-guards appear often to have been stained, (maybe at the unit level?), to better match other arms and give 'Uniformity'.
I think wood grain is a great clue on the European/Italian origin of some Krag stocks. Fred G.'s stock shows an area of fine 'crescent grain', just above the trigger-guard, that seems present on some of the Italian wood. (Photo-#1). 'Tiger Stripe' also seems a reliable indicator of Italian wood. (Photo-#2). Italian stocks may be stained on the outside, but, 'underneath', (barrel channel and action area), remain light in color. (Photo-#3).
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