Opinions on the authenticiy of this sling?

[RBruce]

Just wondering about this sling. I don't recall seeing one with a buckle that has rounded corners. Is it USGI? Also, the keeper on the right came on the sling (upside down). It appears to be a late WWII keeper with the narrow ribbed retainer. The one on the right is a spare I have. It has the wider ribbed retainer and has a small anchor stamped under the tab. Which would be correct for a 1956 sling? Thanks for any assistance.

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[browningautorifle]

Yes, I think it's USGI. As for the difference, I'm not sure except different manufacturers made things a bit different. Yes, I've seen round buckles.

[RBruce]

Thanks Jim.

[browningautorifle]

I know it's a canvas sling...but is there no one else?

[Calif-Steve]

I was at the Phoenix SAR Show 2-3 years back. They had a guy there with a Chinese wife. Piles of Chinese stuff. He had at least 500 web USGI slings, all new, all WWII style. They looked real, except they were copies. All fakes, but nice fakes. All had a small "Made in China" tag. I passed on them but, the next day thought I would buy 2-3 for my club. I went back Saturday AM, all gone. Some dealer got them and all gone. I'm sure that little tag vanished and they all are being sold as "original WWII slings, rare". Let the buyer beware!

[browningautorifle]

Any memory of the buckles Steve?

[Bob Seijas]

Ask Bill Ricca, he specializes in exposing repos and fakes. None better.

[Bob Seijas]

I emailed Bill, got this reply:
It looks legit. I had one just like it a while back. I have not seen Chinese slings as stated on the forum. All fabrics I have seen are being made in India, most metal items are from China. Expect knives and bayonets, which are coming from Pakistan.