Is this the correct sling for my Krag(1901 cartouche)

[rayg]

Just curious about OP's sling. Generally there's a date stamped on most of them under the contractors name, some aren't dated. I wonder if anyone can tell the general date by that contractor's name? Ray

[browningautorifle]

There are some examples that the contractor from WW1 didn't make the same thing in WW2...

[surplusaddict]

I never thought this sling would be this old, it's in excellent shape, should I leave this sling on or get a repro. Do you know what type of leather conditioner to use on it. browningautorifle you've been very helpful. I should be able to take some detailed pictures this weekend.

[browningautorifle]

The old slings are only good for display. I use a Brownells for shooting. It still costs me $100 landed here in Canada, but if I break it I won't weep. A WW1 contract sling, well, you couldn't help but shed a tear if you broke it. There's several and most here seem to agree Pecard's leather treatment is probably about the best. You're going to get the phone book on that question now I expect, and then you'll have to choose from the varied answers...

[surplusaddict]

Did some research on a site that had a list of all the WWI contractors who made those slings. It says just underneath the 2nd keeper: B.T.& B CO. over the number 7 or 1. and the Rock Island Arsenal 1915 stamp is on the bottom. Thanks for the info.

[browningautorifle]

You mean this list?

W1 manufacturers

Belber Trunk & Bag Co., Philadelphia, Pa. - Gunsling Point Parts

Chicago Belting Co., Chicago Il. - Point parts for gunsling, Loop Parts for Gunsling.

John Clark Saddlery Co., Portland Or. - Rifle Scabbards, Saddles Cav M1904

Clinton Saddlery Co., Clinton, Ia. - Pistol Holsters, Bridles, Saddles, Saddle Bags.

Duncan & Sons, Seattle, Wa. - Gunslings M1907, Brest Collars, Rifle Scabbards, Saddles M1904.

Graton & Knight Mfg. Co., Worcester, MA. - Bridles M1914, Bayonet Scabbards, Revolver Holsters M1909, Gunslings M1907, Leather.

Harrison & Gathright, Louisville, Ky. - Saddle Cav M1904. [known to have made M1907 slings]

Harpham Brothers Co., Lincoln, Ne. - Saddles M1904

Hermann Sanford Saddlery Co., Springfield, Mo. - Gunslings, Bridles M1914, Saddles Arty and Cav M1904.

Hess & Hopkins Leather Co., Rockford, Il. - Saddles Arty and Cav M1904

Hewes & Potter, Boston, Ma. - Pouches small articles, hand axe carriers, pick mattock carriers. [known to have made M1907 slings]

Henry Hotze & Son, St. Louis, Mo. - Saddles Arty and Cav M1904

F. M. Hoyt Shoe Co., Manchester, N.H. - Breech Lock Covers, Pannier Packs, Pistol Holsters, Gunslings, Canteen covers, Headstalls, Feed Bags, Helmet Linings.

Kerr Adjustable Strap Co., New York, N.Y. - Gunslings. [Web]

Edward R. Ladew Co., Glen Cove, N.Y. - Brest Collars, Saddles Arty and Cav M1904, Headstalls, Gun Slings, Bridles M1909, Rifle Scabbards.

George Lawrence Co., Portland, Or. - Saddles Arty and Cav M1904, Gun Slings, Rifle Scabbards.

Lichtenberger-Ferguson Co., Los Angles, Ca. - Saddle Cav M1904, Rifle Scabbards, Gun slings.

Plant Brothers & Co., Manchester, N.H.- Bridles M1909, Suspenders for haversack, Water Buckets, Gunslings for U. S. Rifle M1917, Magazine Bandoleers, Pistol Belts, Ration Bags, Cartridge Belts, Feed Bags, Shovel Carriers, Pouches for First Aid, Haversacks.

Rice-Soren Saddlery Co., Muskegon, Mi. - Saddles arty and cav M1904. [known to have made M1907 slings]

Scheffer & Rossum Co., St. Paul, Mn. - Bridles M1909, Mule Saddles M1913, Pistol Holsters, Saddles Arty and Cav M1904.

Westboro Trunk & Bag Co., Westboro, Ma. - Carrying cases. [known to have made M1907 slings]

Smith Worthington Co., Hartford, Ct. - Saddles Cav M1904, Bridles M1909, Gunslings.

Western Mfg. Co., San Francisco, Ca. - Gunslings M1907.

Harvey Wheeler, Conco

[surplusaddict]

Wow, most of theirs were abbreviated. Cool.

[browningautorifle]

Yours would be the first one I think. You can now investigate and find out who they were... Here's the rest, pretty impressive. Belber - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[surplusaddict]

Yes, definitely the first one and those brass keepers and hooks are very impressive, looking at the condition of the rifle and sling it must've been hanging on a wall for quite awhile. I took it to the range this morning and it functioned fine. At 50 yards it grouped a couple inches right of center but it almost costs $2 a shot! I try benchresting it at 100 next time.

[rayg]

You'll have to post pics after refreshing, and the 1903 wouldn't hurt either.

As Jim said, and the 03 also, Ray