sling real or fake

[lfpdlt]

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some opinions on my unmarked C tip sling. Lift the dot appears to be paint over brass, which is the main thing that has me suspicious. Tips I think look good, not sure about weave. Thanks

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Information

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[USGI]

My first impression was "it's a fake." Then I studied it for about 30 minutes while looking at a large file of pictures that I have, and decided that I'm not so sure! The crimps on the C tips are a little suspect, but I've seen others that were questioned for similar details, and then turned out to be real. My guess (for what that's worth) is it's possibly real - but why does it look so new? Below is a picture of some "California Specials." - Bob

[jimb16]

Doesn't look real to me. The webbing is not quite right.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

The crimps are easy to make look the same. Check the weave on this I.B.M. sling I have.

[USGI]

I need to go check the "sticky" thread on slings - Bill Ricca has posted that there were several types of weaves used, although what we refer to as "standard" accounted for about 90% of production. On the left is a picture I had on file that's been labeled "believed fake, but real." It most likely belongs to one of our members. The picture to the right of it, is one of my slings. Harlan says to look at the dimple on the fastener. These are a bit different than the OP's, but not much. I think I've got all these pictures messed up, everybody's are all running together for me. - Bob

[painter777]

IFpdlt
Here are links to the Sling STICKY THREADS posted at the top of the M1/M2 carbine forum,
Marked Carbine Sling

As other members stated, look closely at your webbing. Also share a picture of the underside of your snap with us along with the Finial post, like JimF did.
I know it's hard to properly ID these until you handle many.
Stay tuned and maybe you'll get lucky enough to get a reply by Mr. Bill Ricca.
Another note, I've bought quite a few slings thought to be fake because they had blackened steel finials and snaps. Truth is, not all were brass blackened. During the early WWII brass shortage steel was used on Finial, snap or both.
Here's a old picture showing one,,,




I just took some good pictures for you but Photobucket won't load. I'll try again in the next few days.

Charlie-painter777

[lfpdlt]

Thanks guys, I am pretty sure it's a fake. I bought it last year from Riverbank Armory before I realized they were the same thing as the dread pirate George everyone is always refering to on the various forums. I guess I was hoping that maybe he actually sold me something legit but my worst fears were confirmed. Oh well, live and learn, but, he won't get me again.

[ChipS]

I am not your resident authority, but I have never seen a weave like that on any sling I believed to be authentic WWII USGI. The tips look pretty good to me but I vote repro based solely upon the weave. Plus, if it looks like it was made last month it probably was. FWIW

[Bill Hollinger]

Thanks guys, I am pretty sure it's a fake. I bought it last year from Riverbank Armory before I realized they were the same thing as the dread pirate George everyone is always refering to on the various forums. I guess I was hoping that maybe he actually sold me something legit but my worst fears were confirmed. Oh well, live and learn, but, he won't get me again.

If it is from George at RB there is a 99.5% chance of it being fake. I only leave the .5% off because George does have real stuff.

[USGI]

Harlan was right about the "dimples." Compare those on the "CA specials" in Post #2 with Ifpdlt's in Post #1. - Bob