For anyone that might find this interesting I kind of make a jhopbby of tracking cheaper Krags on Gunbroker:

Of about 14 sporterised/cheaper Krags on Gunbroker over the last 10 days or more three sold. One, an 1896, was nicely done with checkering, a ramp front sight and a Pacific rear sight. $250.00.

There was an 1898, nothing special at all, shortened stock and barrel, went for 5 bills. I suspect something amiss here.

the third, a rudimentary chop job, not bad but not special, either $250.00.

So, two perfectly equal rifles selling for $250.00 each and a third no better than the other 2 selling for twice as much. I will say that the $500.00 chop job did have a handguard and issue rear sight.