Un-holey M1907 Sling.....

[fernleaf]

This afternoon while looking into my gun safe as I waited for a Mosin barrel to finish soaking, I noticed something I probably should have picked up on earlier but didn't...

In the photo below you see on the left my 1908 Rock Island M1903 wearing a Rock Island 1917 M1907 sling.

The rifle in the center is my 1918 receivered Springfield M1903 with an SA 1942 dated barrel wearing an unmarked M1907 sling.

Note the dearth of holes on the short strap of the sling on the 1918 Springfield - is this a WW2 production variation to get more out the factory door faster?

I've owned a few M1907 slings over the years but only noticed the lack of holes on this one...

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Interesting, first I've seen also.

[RCS]

I don't know about this sling in the above post - but the USMC did use a 1907 leather sling with a reduced number of holes for the hooks

[Fred G.]

What you've got is a U.S.M.C. sling that was made for the Marine Corps in the 1920's through to the early 1940's.
They were made by Post saddle and harness makers on base out in California I believe.
They have thicker leather, No markings, the keepers were each both sewn and stapled.
The leather was treated with a dark stained oil. The brass claws were also originally darkened.
I've owned several of them. Years ago Richard Turner of Turner Saddlery borrowed on of my Mint and unused ones to measure and reproduce the type. Contact him and make inquiries if you or anyone wants him to make you one.

Fred