'Artyldr01' - You have not mentioned anything about bore condition. Are you a 'shooter'?

I am a 'stickler' for very good bores and I shoot my Kragicon rifles and carbines.

A rough Krag bore may shoot well, but, a very good to excellent bore bore will shoot well and is a lot easier to clean.

Your Italianicon stocked Krag is attractive, however, it has some serious blemishes. I love the color and grain of the Italian walnut stocks. Your damaged hand-guard and replacement sight screw would keep me awake at night. A matching original hand-guard is a difficult thing to find and will cost $150.
That sight screw needs to be replaced.

It appears there may be punch marks & damage to your front-sight base and the pin, that secures the front sight blade.

It also appears there may be a 'chip' of metal missing from the rear of the Bolt Body, just in front of the bolt-sleeve.

I am not 'trashing' your current Krag. I am just noting cosmetic flaws that are repairable. If it was mine, I'd focus on replacing the blemished parts.

Personally, I put no added value on a model 1898 Krag being early production. (Your early model 1898 has been upgraded over the years).
I also put no value on a Krag being a recent CMPicon purchase.
(Other people might find these aspects add value).

The Krag you are contemplating is quite attractive with no major blemishes visible. If its bore is equal or better than your current Krag. I'd go for the later model 1898.

Bottom line, you are the one that needs to be happy with your Krag choice.