Saw a beautiful 1896 carbine at a small show yesterday. Metal well worn finish stock like new. It was in a 1899 carbine stock, 1901 carbine sight, barrel appeared genuine carbine, front blade not. No stamp on stock that I noticed. The 1896 on receiver looked at first glance to be 1898, did not have glass but the 6 did not look quite closed in upper loop. However I know a 96 receiver when I see one due to bolt recess. I have checked my Mallory/Olson book and glanced at Brophy (no serial ranges?) and Poyer. The serial on this carbine was 101171, which is way out of range for a 96 of any kind and falls in the 98 rifle group. Numbers looked genuine also, not a restamp or number added.
What's up with this? Any comments welcome.