M1 Carbine Sling Question

[jca]

Hello,
I purchased an M1 carbine sling many years ago and would like to know if it might be original WW2. It has the C shaped end tabs. The fastener is marked Klikit with a six pointed star and Pull. the reverse is ridged and marked RAU FASTENER CO
PROVIDENCE, R.I. The male fastener is made of brass the buckle and tabs appear blued and made of steel. The buckle measures 1" wide by 1.3 " long. It is unmarked The webbing is dark olive green colored and is fairly thick. Any info appreciated.
Thanks! JCA
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Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[USGI]

I've had a couple of slings just like yours. One was in very good condition, and the other nearly worn out from use. Some say it is a repro from the 80's and others swear it's original WWII. Myself, I'm not certain. - Bob

[frankderrico]

jca, welcome to the forum. Jim4M1's knows slings. Let's see what he has to say. To me the weave doesn't look like WWII. But, like Bob I'm not certain.
Best Regards.....Frank

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

JCA, welcome to our forum. A pretty good group of guys here, and helpful. While here check out some of the past threads on topics that might interest you. Also we have a search feature in the tool bar that might help. Do you have a carbine to go with that sling?
I hope you enjoy the forum.

I saw those slings for the first time at a show in 1983. They were all mint condition. Everyone said at the time they were repo slings. They sold for a couple dollars each. At that time slings with the full sized C clips unpainted were still abundant. Eight to Ten dollars in near to mint.
My personal opinion is that they are an aftermarket product.

[jca]

Thanks Guys!
Appreciate the info!
Anybody happen to have a correct c-tip sling for a 1-44 dated carbine #4916xxx in decent shape they want to part with?

[jimb16]

Look carefully at the sling material. Notice that there is a distinct edge line (one row in) on each side. This is referred to as a selvidged edge. Original WWII slings did not have a selvidge edge. That is one of the biggest giveaways for repro slings.

[jca]

Hi,
Thanks for the latest info. I noticed that edge on each side but had no idea whether it was right or not or what it would be called. I think I bought this sling around 1989. I was racking my brain trying to remember if it was stated repro or not. I think it was. Anyway, I can't remember. Its too bad its a repro because it is nicely constructed! It is interesting that they would use what seem to be correct fasteners for these as well. I definitely learned a lot today. Thanks Again Guys!

[INLAND44]

Here's what they called 'olive drab' in the latter part of WWII - sort of blend of khaki and OD. Note the long-eared unfinished end tip.

[frankderrico]

Also note the barrel band.....Frank

[Bubba-7]

Nice Inland, Inland.