I have no idea what the springs look like on a 1898 0E Grade. I you could post a picture possibly then someone might be able to help you. There are no drawings in the Plans and Specifications book of the early ejectors. Since yours dates to 1898 you should have the round escutcheon release on the fore end. I have replaced ejector springs in the later models with the banjo escutcheon release by going to a good hardware store that carried many types of springs. Found one that was almost identical except for the length which was easy to cut. Only other difference is they are plated.