Slings?

[Garandrew]

I have 2 different /l\ marked SMLE slings. One is dated 1940, maker marked, made of woven cloth, the other is more like a harder rubberized material. dated 1941, latex core? Are they the same, one treated?

Information

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[P-07ShortLee]

Bottom one is standard Lee-Enfield made by Mills, the upper I don't think is for an enfield.

[gsimmons]

The other one is an "ersatz" sling for an enfield sometimes called a "jungle" sling.it is made of layers of material sewn together.

[Mk VII]

Several items made in this way exist, including pack straps. Mostly they have hardened over the years to the point where they crack if you use them. Bagcraft was a prolific maker of webbing items.

[Badger]

I have 2 different /l\ marked SMLE slings. One is dated 1940, maker marked, made of woven cloth, the other is more like a harder rubberized material. dated 1941, latex core? Are they the same, one treated?

Check this MKL entry …

1917/1945 No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Short Bracket)

See Feedback Comment #6 from Advisory Panel member John Thorne, which I think is the same type of sling you have. The one on the Australian HT has turned VERY hard which led be to believe it was plastic inside, or latex.

6. The sling shown mounted on the No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle in this Knowledge Library entry is a WWII version of the ersatz sling, made of folded canvas due to the shortage of webbing. Most but not all of these went to the home guard - the one in the MKL entry here looks particularly nice. B.H.G. Ltd are Barrow, Hepburn, and Gale. This was the WWII version of the name for one of the great British military suppliers - a firm that dates back to early Victorian times and were at times variously called Hepburn Ltd.; Hepburn & Gale; Hepburn, Gale & Ross (aka 'HGR", the most prolific supplier of leather goods, as well as some web, during WWI); and other names as the small military suppliers combined forces to stay alive. ....... (Feedback by "John Thorne")

(Click PIC to Enlarge)(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Doug

[P-07ShortLee]

That would explain it (the ersatz), I saw some in a photo on P-14 or M1917's in Home Guard use.

[Baal]

Silly question perhaps, but is there an way to soften up those ersatz slings again?

[P-07ShortLee]

Silly question perhaps, but is there an way to soften up those ersatz slings again?

I don't think so.

[riotsquad]

Silly question perhaps, but is there an way to soften up those ersatz slings again?

If you want to take a chance try soaking it in "Armor All" for a week or longer. I soaked one for a few days a few years back and the softened it up quite a bit. But no warranty expressed or implied!