Sling, Rifle, Web, G.S. (Mark 1)

[Nigel]

A very early sling which was accepted into service on 31st Jan 1901. An interesting date in that it pre-dates the introduction of the SMLE in 1902. On 13 Nov 1903 the sling design was altered so that he brass ends are 1/2 inch longer. secured by two rivets instead of two eyelets. Instructions were also given that these larger brass fittings would be used should the early slings be repaired. Hence these early slings are very rare - only being available for 2 years and 9 months! Not dated but marked - Pat. MILLS & ORNDORFF and on the reverse DEC 28.80 MAR 19.89 OCT 31.93 SEPT 11.94
It needs a good home to go to - preferably a SMLE No.1 Mk1.
I’m struggling to post pictures from my phone.

Information

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[Gav]

Well if you can not find a nice home for it, I could offer a place for it here with me on an early Mk1.

cheers

[browningautorifle]

Very nice catch, how it managed to go through time to now and all the service time before without complete destruction is amazing. The US was using this type of slings on Krag rifles so I can see how it was produced at that time though...called the M1894 Mills Orndorff Tropical Web Sling For M1898 Krag and very hard to find.

[Nigel]

I'd heard about that use of these early Mills slings for the Krag but apparently there is very little documentary or photographic evidence. How long is your sling? Mine is about 43.5 inches - a bit short of the 46" usual length for the later slings but interestingly about the same length as the 1914 Emergency Pattern Leather slings for the SMLE.

[browningautorifle]

Mine is about 43.5 inches - a bit short of the 46"

I think it's 61"...for the tropical Krag sling.