Question on Pattern 14 leather sling lengths?

[rayg]

I just picked up an unused original P14 sling dated 1940 for only $15.00 at a small military show that is in the later lighter Service Dress Brown but with a length of 48".

I'm confused as to what the lengths the Pattern 14 slings should be? The British sling site shows the early slings for the long Lee and MkI SMLE rifles at 49" and later ones at 43-3/4". It also shows a Lee Metford sling at 43".
Here's a quote from the sling site:
"Pattern 14 - leather copy of the Long Lee sling but shorter. Early ones in (dark) London Brown, Later ones in (lighter) Service Dress Brown"

According to that, the Pattern 14 slings should be the shorter 43" length. I would assume a 1940 dated one would meet that "later" definition.
Just curious, Ray


British Slings Overview Page
Lee-Metford Sling


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[rayg]

Here's another site describing the Pattern 14 slings as 43-1/2". Curious as to why the one I have is still in the 48" Long Lee length. Maybe for the LE's still, or called back in service? Any opinions? Ray

Pattern 1914 Associated Equipment

[jona]

Here's another site describing the Pattern 14 slings as 43-1/2". Curious as to why the one I have is still in the 48" Long Lee length. Maybe for the LE's still, or called back in service? Any opinions? Ray

Pattern 1914 Associated Equipment

You guessed it. Have seen pictures of several Home Guard units taken during WW II with LEs.