Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 Sling Question

The webbing we used for Military Training days and range work using '37 pattern stuff was known as SKELETON ORDER and was the belt, L and R pouches, cross-straps, water bottle and bayonet frog. Generally speaking, the military training staff weren't concerned about the blanco and brass just so long as it was clean. So we had a gash set used for that and a shiny clean and polished set on top of our bedside lockers. As Armourers we also had a 'range box'. That was usually a Bren mag box with the partition plate pulled out and our tools and a few spare parts would fit into that. For '44 pattern it was pretty much the same but 2x water bottles. '58 stuff the same but with the really useful poncho and poncho roll attached too. Kidney pouches......, depending but not usually for range work. Gill can best comment on the Infantry set-up.....

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

As Armourers we also had a 'range box'. That was usually a Bren mag box with the partition plate pulled out and our tools and a few spare parts would fit into that.

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Was the Bren mag box normally fitted with a hasp and padlock when it was used as a "range box"? The reason that I ask is that I picked up one a couple of years ago that had been "modified" in this way, by fitting of a lock hasp, which I then un-modified and returned to original spec. I couldn't work out why the end handle was also removed but, fortunately I had a spare handle, so I replaced it. Luckily the mag devision strips/plates had not been removed.

I have these 2 Enfield slings which I believe to be genuine examples. The older one is WW1 vintage, believed to be marked 1915 on the webbing but 1916 on the brass ends, and it is about 2" longer than the other later example that is shown. The later one is post WW2 and is dated 1949 on the brass end but it is only on one end. The fist 3 pictures are the WW1 sling and the last 2 pics the later one.

Here's a little thing about these slings or anything that has the buckle attached by rivets, told to me by 'Jock' the textile repairer many years ago. When you rivet, you have to use a special pointed tool (called an AWL?) to spread the cotton weave. And when the weave has been spread, THEN you press the rivet through. Otherwise, if you punch the rived through a cut hole, the strength has gone because you have effectively cut the material. Then the brass or whatever material is pressed tightly down on a foot press and the rived punched over while the metal is clamped tight. Easy when you know how - AND have the tools!

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Originally Posted by BruceHMX

I know what blanco is but where would you find it? From a quick search seems it has not been made since the 80's.

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White blancoed sling could be RN - didn't they use white slings when on parade with white gaiters, web belts etc (KGV,KGVI funerals etc)....?

As to getting blanco today, the typical wartime colours Nos 61, 64, 97 and KG3 are reproduced by Pegasus Militaria here in the UK. It's as close to the original as you can get.

http://www.pegasusmilitaria.com/products/

Thanks Peter, i never consider one of the standard webbing orders.
I visualized something 100% practical, pared down then built up with functional additions.

As an aside, did you normally test and tune longarms prone or off a bench?

Testing rifles etc etc. If you were on the test ranges, off the bench with sandbags or at a Base workshop (or large Field/Command workshop, the Enfield Layer) On the open field range, prone

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Originally Posted by Flying10uk

How about this sling available in the States? https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...brass-fittings

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Thanks for the link! Ended up picking used original, Sling, Savage Spike Bayonet, Scabbard, and Frog for $26.64 USD includes shipping from a private sale. I'll post pictures when they get here.

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Originally Posted by Flying10uk

I have these 2 Enfield slings which I believe to be genuine examples.

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WOW! These pictures are great! On the slings I have been looking at on-line I never saw mfg and date stamps on the brass. Should the originals always have them?

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Originally Posted by usabaker

Should the originals always have them?

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I don't think so but could someone confirm this, please?

It would be interesting to see some pictures of a Canadian manufactured Le-Enfield rifle sling, showing the markings, that is known to be the genuine article, please.

Some of the slings available on eBay that are said to "originals" somehow look a bit suspect to me but it can be difficult to tell with some of the reproduction webbing available now because the quality is relatively good.

It is occasionally seen but it is more the exception than the rule.