SRS request 1889

[butlersrangers]

'sixball' - Your model 1898 Krag 'sportered' barreled/action has been put in a shortened model 1892 Krag rifle stock. That is why the forearm is showing a cleaning-rod groove.
(Model 1896 and model 1898 Krag stocks did not have a forearm cleaning-rod and groove).

That is also why there is a wide 'scalloped' area in the wood and a lot of clearance, around the bolt-handle and its 'notch' in the receiver. (Model 1892 and model 1896 Krag actions had a different shape in the bolt-handle 'notch' area).
The stock wrist is also very slender on the model 1892 stock, compared to later models.

The model 1892 stock did not have holes under the butt-plate. The butt was solid and had a flat butt-plate with no 'trap-door' for implements.
Someone may have fitted a later butt-plate, with the 'trap', to your early stock. They also may have put a 'recurve' in the wood, at the toe, to accept the later type butt-plate.

You have the remains of a rather rare stock. I would leave it, as is. It could be very desirable to someone, who is restoring an early model 1892 Krag.

A slight chip is developing in the wood behind your left side-plate. This is likely due to the rear of the 1898 side-plate being in contact with the wood.
(1892 and 1898 side-plates have slightly different shapes and contours).

It would be a good idea to secure the developing 'split' with wood-glue and shave a little wood where the side-plate is bearing on it.

Attached photos show OP's stock bolt-handle area and model 1898 stock, also, developing 'chip'.

Attachment 121761Attachment 121762Attachment 121763