Well now hold the phone Steve! I may have to stand corrected....I looked up 'Frenchicon 98k' and got some interesting info. The solid head cleaning rod is just like all the French 98k rods I saw, and there is definitely a French five pointed star on the bolt sleeve. And I do believe you are right about the stock. It certainly would explain the strange circle with S(?) cartouche in the sling slot. It would never have occured to me that this was a French 98k. Good call, I believe you're correct.