Thanks for the prompt response. That was my first reaction but then I read an excerpt from a Robert Jensen tract about dou43 K98k rifles " A variation appears in the u block, with two piece stocks appearing joined tongue and groove style as is seen on Finnish Moisin Nagants". Since my serial # is 6058u and the joint is in the same location as a Finnish rifle photo I found, I wanted to make sure the Germans didn't put in the fasteners for good measure. The barreled action is all matching including the bolt, no import marking and three eagles intact that would support a duffel bag cut. My son found the rifle at an estate sale and I am 77 years of age and I am putting together shooting WW battle rifles for my 7 grandsons. My inclination is to make it as correct as possible and let my grandsons and their sons enjoy it. Thanks again!Looks like a crude duffel bag cut/repair.