Model 1903 Sling

[betelgeuse]

I just bought a RIA model 1903 (1918) and would like to get the correct era sling for it. Is there any markings on the original slings? If not, what would one look for? What would be a fair price to pay for one in good condition?
Thanks in advance,
Greg

[emmagee1917]

An original sling woud be a M1907 leather sling with brass hardware and sewn keepers . They were marked with the maker's name and the year made.
Chris

[Johnny P]

The WWI era slings will also have an inspector's initials.

[betelgeuse]

ok. Thanks guys. There are a some on Ebay. They don't have a date or initials. I suppose it's possible they faded over time.
Do you happen to know what would be a fair price to pay for one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300856053881...84.m1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140913148747...84.m1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300847355792...84.m1438.l2649
Thanks,
Greg

[Johnny P]

The sling in the last link is either not military, or a post WWII contract.

[Dan Shapiro]

I would think that a WWI era sling in good condition would run around $175, more if you get into a bidding war. Someone will wait until the last minute to snipe a good one.

[betelgeuse]

......Someone will wait until the last minute to snipe a good one.

Someone already did that on a bayonet I was bidding on. lol.
$175 isn't too bad. There is one on there for $260 BIN with no bidding.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310464634821...84.m1438.l2648
Think it's worth it?
Thanks;
Greg

[Derrick R.]

Greg check out your local pawn shops. Sometimes they remove slings and put them in a bin or something and sell them for cheap. I picked up several for less than $25 and are nice.
Derrick

[Dan Shapiro]

Greg: I doubt that ebay sling is a WWI. Below is a link that has a listing of WWI manufactures. Can't see how that sling is worth $260. But then, PT Barnum said 'a sucker was born every minute'.

http://www.rollanet.org/~stacyw/us_m1907_sling.htm

[betelgeuse]

Greg: I doubt that ebay sling is a WWI. Below is a link that has a listing of WWI manufactures. Can't see how that sling is worth $260. But then, PT Barnum said 'a sucker was born every minute'.

http://www.rollanet.org/~stacyw/us_m1907_sling.htm

Thanks for the link Dan. I wasn't planing on spending that much on one anyway.
I would live to find a RIA one dated the same as my rifle. I have an aftermarket on on it now.
I guess that will have to do until I find the correct one.
Greg