M1907 Sling Dated 1918 - Real or Not?

[browningautorifle]

Gratton and Knight. It sure looks correct to me, they usually were same color but if you put together two different slings you get a mismatch color. You COULD use Febings leather die, it tends to stiffen things so careful. Also the mismatched ends look like two different slings.

Just by the look of the brass frogs and their attachment, I think it's real.

[tj214]

The dyed brown color on both straps is the same even if they look different in the photos (which I lightened in Photoshop to show detail).

I wondered whether the straps could be from two different slings, but on the other hand they are both unused (no/minimal cracking or wear, no claw hole elongation, etc.). Does having straps from different slings make the overall sling in any way less legit from the issue and operational perspective? If my speculation is correct the 4 (T) slings were cannibalized from the hundreds of thousands of L-L P-14s, I would assume H&H (or stores troops?) could take their pick of the best parts to cobble together the highest possible quality slings for the snipers. Makes sense, but doesn't mean it's correct!

I don't want to damage the value (too much...), but I don't like the raw leather color on the underside of the long strap. Is Febings the recommended dye? Does it repel leather conditioner and/or dubbing? This leather is already stiffer than a well-used and well-maintained sling, so I don't want to cause much more stiffness.

I'm amazed at how the suppleness has improved with several applications of leather conditioner. The sling arrived coiled and both straps were so stiff I was afraid to straighten them for fear of cracking or splitting the leather. Suspect it will take 2-3 more applications before I'll be willing to bend them into a sling shape.

[browningautorifle]

Does having straps from different slings make the overall sling in any way less legit from the issue and operational perspective?

No, we can't prove they came from different sets.

Is Febings the recommended dye? Does it repel leather conditioner and/or dubbing?

Fiebings (I spelled it wrong before)is about the best. You need a leather conditioner anyway. These pages are full of the arguments over which one is best. They get stiff with age, sounds like you have that in hand.

Nice piece overall. You DO have the loops to go with, right?
https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...eeper-unissued
M1907 Keeper

[tj214]

That's good news. I'll give the Fiebing's a shot...so to speak.

Yes, I have the loops, just forgot to include them in the pics. Those loops on IMA look quite good too.

Thanks for all your help (on this and numerous other subjects)!